LIBRARY  OF  THE 

UNIVERSITY  OF  ILLINOIS 

AT  URBANA-CHAMPAIGN 


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PRINTED  BY 

THE  COURIER  PUBLISHING  COMPANY 

OF  ELGIN,  ILLINOIS 

JUNE,  1906 


M^-^Ij?  drsign  of  th,i0  brirf  b.i0tnrg  10 
1  )  to  jn*Bwm*  roh.at  appears  to  h? 
of  tiaiitt  for  future  J|am^0t0;  to 
pag  a  trilntlr  to  dmrurtrr  and  to  0ooo  mork; 
to  promote  tl|?  |og0  of  minion  ano  «- 
mini0r?nrp  ano  to  b?0j»ak  rontinnal  tons  — 
a0  %  g?ar0  go  on  —  for  'tlj*  old  0rljool  on 


'^?.  rannot  bug  witty  gold 
old  a00oriation0/ 


Elgin,  3uuc,  190fi. 


ffi 


kY  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS  are  due  to  Gail  Borden  library 
for  references;  to  the  History  of  Elgin,  1835-1875,  and  to 
the  History  of  Kane  County  I  am  indebted  for  some  sta- 
tistics. To  those  who  have  loaned  letters,  manuscripts  and  early 
Elgin  newspapers  I  am  especially  grateful. 

Professor  Sleight  has  given  me  access  to  every  possible  avenue 
where  records  on  historic  matter  available  for  my  work  might  be 
found,  beside  furnishing  much  important  material  himself.  I  could 
not  have  woven  the  broken  threads  in  my  possession  into  even 
this  brief  and  simple  narrative  without  all  these  aids. 

When  the  History  of  Elgin  Academy  was  decided  upon,  appeals 
were  made  to  friends  and  acquaintances,  near  and  remote,  for  like- 
nesses or  photographs  of  Its  deceased  or  long-absent  instructors 
and  Important  directors.  And  it  is  owing  to  the  prompt  responses 
to  the  requests  that  it  is  possible  to  offer,  to-day,  this  completely 
illustrated  history.  In  its  preparation,  the  cordial  spirit  of  assist- 
ance has  been  an  inspiration;  therefore  to  all  contributors  and  to 
each  a  thousand  thanks. 

L.  K.  BECKER. 


MRS.  L.  K.  BECKER 
Teacher  in  El£in  Academy,  1877-1895 


lira.  C.  2C.  !wk*r 

ITTING  it  is,  at  this  Golden  Jubilee  of  the  Elgin  Academy, 
that  she  whose  pen  illuminates  these  records  of  fifty 
years,  should  be  one  who,  as  Instructor,  was  longest 
associated  with  the  "Old  School  on  the  Hill."  Fitting  it  is  that  she 
should  be  one  whose  general  culture  and  literary  gifts  should  have 
made  for  her  a  large  place  in  the  social  and  intellectual  life  of  the 
"Watch  City."  Fitting  it  is  that  she  should  be  one  whose  personal 
qualities,  as  teacher  and  friend,  should  have  endeared  her  to  hun- 
dreds of  Elgin  Academy's  children,  now  eager  to  "rise  up  and  call  her 
blessed."  In  black  and  white,  before  me,  are  their  many  tributes  of 
affection  and  gratitude.  Says  one,  "If  Mrs.  Becker  had  taught  but 
one  year,  she  would  still  be  remembered";  but  it  is  a  eighteen 
years'  period  of  active  service  that  makes  the  name  of  Mrs.  L.  K. 
Becker  honored  on  the  faculty  list  of  the  Institution. 

Mrs.  Becker  began  her  teaching  when  she  was  fifteen  years 
old.  Always  a  student,  she  secured  her  special  training  at  the 
Albany  (N.  Y.)  Normal  College,  where  later  she  inaugurated  the 
model  primary  department.  This  position  she  left  to  be  married. 
In  1868  she  came  West  and  settled  In  Elgin,  where  she  has  ever 
since  had  her  residence.  Here  for  two  years  (1870  to  1872)  she 
taught  In  the  public  schools,  and  for  one  year  maintained  a  private 
school  at  her  home.  She  entered  Elgin  Academy,  to  succeed  Miss 
Kenyon,  in  1877.  Earnest,  cheery,  and  sympathetic,  she  came,  as 
one  pupil  expresses  It,  "  into  the  school  from  a  home  and  brought 
with  her  the  home  spirit — the  mother  spirit."  To  this  "mother 
tutor,"  who  reigned  long  as  mistress  of  the  east  room,  hundreds  to- 
day turn  in  memory  "  with  the  veneration  of  worshippers  and  the 
gratitude  of  children." 

"  Her  personal  qualities,  combined  with  her  keen  Intuitive  meth- 
ods, made  her  a  rare  teacher,"  writes  another.  Versatile  and  accom- 
modating, she  taught  various  subjects,  Including  the  natural  sciences, 


0f  tlj*  Author 


but  her  specialties  were  history  and  literature.  So  did  she  handle 
these  favorite  themes  that  her  students  write :  "  She  brought  the 
past  very  near  to  us  and  made  It  real,  while,  with  her  fine  apprecia- 
tion of  literature,  she  laid  Its  treasures  before  us  and  taught  us  to 
measure  their  worth."  Many  speak  of  her  "  happy  manner  of  con- 
ducting a  recitation,"  while  others  emphasize  her  "  cheery  morn- 
Ing  greetings  "  or  her  Informal  chats  on  art  themes  or  current  topics 
of  the  day. 

Then,  too,  these  years  of  Mrs.  Becker's  service  were  years  of 
struggle  and  change.  It  meant  much,  when  others  came  and  went, 
that  one  should  be  always  "at  home"  to  E.  A.'s  returning  sons  and 
daughters.  It  meant  much  to  have,  thus  long  and  loyally  asso- 
ciated, this  faithful  teacher,  who  held  the  school  to  Its  Ideals  and 
believed  In  Its  mission  to  this  community.  For  Instance,  In  1891, 
when  things  looked  dark  for  the  old  Academy,  It  was  she  who  spoke 
the  word  of  courage  to  the  disheartened  trustees,  assembled  for 
their  annual  meeting.  Disregarding  the  suggestion,  made  by  some, 
that  she  herself  take  the  helm,  she,  with  prophetic  faith,  assured 
the  trustees  that  somewhere  was  a  "strong  young  man  with  spirit 
as  well  as  education,  who  v/ould  lift  the  Institution  out  of  Its  rut 
and  thereby  make  his  own  reputation  as  well  as  that  of  the  school." 
Such  a  young  man  was  recommended  to  her  by  her  son  Keyes,  at 
whose  suggestion  she  Invited  to  her  home  a  favorite  Lake  Forest 
classmate.  In  Alfred  G.  Welch,  whom  she  then  introduced  to  Elgin 
and  his  great  opportunity,  her  prediction  was  more  than  verified. 

In  1895,  the  year  after  Mrs.  Becker  resigned  her  position  as 
Instructor,  she  was  associated  with  the  Academy  as  lecturer.  Ever 
since,  by  voice  and  pen,  she  has  shared  her  thoughts  with  a  larger 
circle.  And  now  that  she,  as  historian,  has  once  more  closely 
linked  her  name  with  the  dear  old  school  and  we  read  these 
records  she  has  gathered  with  interest  of  head  and  heart,  we  can 
but  echo  the  words  of  one  of  her  E.  A.  boys:  "Thank  God  for  Mrs. 

Becker  and  the  Elgin  Academy!" 

5.  A.  P. 

The  Elgin  Academy,  May  8,  1906. 


ffr^-~-^-^==— ti -f_  ?^=—       v    ^™r 


ELGIN  ACADEMY  IN  1856 

Copied  from  a  daguerreotype  taken  at  about  the  present 
Intersection  of  College  and  Division  Streets 


JAMES  T.  GIFFORD 
Founder  of  Elgin 

and 

Trustee  of  Elgin  Academy 
1843-1850 


CHAPTER  ONE 

1B35 


S  there  was  an  English  Literature  before  there  was  an 
England,  so  there  was  an  Elgin  before  there  was  a  visible 
Elgin  town,  and  It  lay  In  the  mind  of  James  T.  Glfford, 
still  a  young  man,  living  In  a  small  village  In  Yates  county,  New 
York.  A  brother,  Mr.  Hezeklah  Glfford,  moved  by  the  spirit  of  ad- 
venture, made  a  Journey  to  Illinois  In  1834  and  Into  that  portion 
of  the  Fox  River  Valley  from  the  site  of  Aurora  to  St.  Charles. 
Charmed  with  the  beauty  of  the  region  he  returned  to  his  home  In 
Onelda  County,  but  stopped  on  the  way  to  see  his  brother,  James, 
to  whom  he  gave  such  a  glowing  account  that  from  that  hour  the 
latter  dreamed  of  a  town  all  smiling  and  fair  that  should  rise  on  the 
banks  of  the  Fox.  But  being  a  practical  man,  Mr.  Glfford  weighed 
the  reasons  for  and  against  removal  to  that  almost  unbroken  wilder- 
ness. There  were  rich  Government  lands  waiting  for  settlers  ;  there 
were  possibilities  and  there  were  the  flutterlngs  of  ambition,  ever 
ready,  like  a  bird,  to  take  wing  for  some  more  favored  clime. 

The  decision  being  made,  preparations  at  once  were  begun  by 
James  Glfford  for  a  pilgrimage  Into  the  new  Northwest  to  discover 
Its  available  resources,  and,  unconsciously,  to  develop  his  own. 

The  two  brothers,  James  T.  and  Hezeklah,  had  agreed  to  share  In 
the  tolls  and  benefits  Incident  to  a  settlement  In  the  West  and  early 
In  1835,  with  a  good  team  of  horses,  a  lumber  wagon  of  tools  and 
necessaries,  the  advance  was  begun  and  the  little  party  turned 
their  faces  Westward.  Upon  parting  from  his  wife  Mr.  Glfford  had 
announced  that  he  would  found  a  town  somewhere  In  the  North- 
west, that  It  should  have  good  water  power,  and  that  its  name 
should  be  Elgin,  In  remembrance  of  his  favorite  melody  In  the 
hymn  book. 

The  brothers  drove  all  the  way  to  Chicago,  which  they  reached 
March  24th,  in  good  condition,  having  rested  from  travel  every 


18]  A  iftatonj  nf  Elgin  Aratemg 

Sunday ;  Invariably  they  had  overtaken  other  travelers  en  route 
who  had  traveled  all  the  time. 

Chicago,  in  1 835,  was  a  village  of  five  hundred  inhabitants  and 
appeared  to  be  sunk  in  the  mud.  Wisconsin  was  not  yet  a  terri- 
tory even,  Illinois  had  been  a  State  but  a  few  years  and  the  Black 
Hawk  war  was  scarcely  over.  The  face  of  the  country  was  a  map 
that  showed  but  few  points  of  civilized  settlement,  like  far-off 
glimmering  lights  in  an  unknown  region. 

Learning  that  Milwaukee  Bay  was  a  promising  site  for  occupa- 
tion, the  brothers  left  their  wagon  in  Chicago  and  proceeded  on 
horseback,  in  company  with  another  traveler,  to  Milwaukee,  where 
they  discovered  that  all  the  land  about  was  already  claimed  by 
earlier  comers.  Somewhat  disappointed,  the  thought  of  the  Fox 
River  country  occurred  to  both  the  men,  and,  having  an  opportu- 
nity to  send  their  horses  back  to  Chicago,  they  set  out  on  foot  to 
find  the  beautiful  valley,  through  a  region  from  which  the  Potta- 
watomies  had  but  recently  been  removed,  and  where  there  were 
neither  roads,  inns,  nor  settlers  along  the  way.  A  half-breed  Indian 
gave  them  directions  from  the  start  how  to  reach  Fox  River, 
which  he  said  was  but  a  half  day's  tramp  away.  This  they  found 
to  be  true,  as  Fox  River  rises  but  a  few  miles  southwest  of 
Milwaukee  and  spends  some  distance  in  uniting  with  tributaries  be- 
fore it  attains  to  its  acknowledged  importance  and  dignity;  and  even 
then  flows  many  miles  before  Its  valley  becomes  what  it  is  called, 
one  of  the  most  beautiful,  as  it  is  one  of  the  most  fertile  valleys  in 
the  world.  After  following  the  river  for  some  miles  the  Giffords 
came  upon  a  lone  Indian  in  a  canoe  whom  they  induced  to  take 
them  across  to  the  west  bank  which  they  wished  to  explore. 
They  camped  at  night  by  an  open  fire  and  without  blankets  and 
with  short  rations.  Three  nights  and  as  many  days  they  journeyed 
along  stream,  meeting  no  sign  of  civilized  life,  fording  creeks,  ex- 
periencing a  cold  storm  and  going  without  food  for  nearly  two  days. 
But  fortune  favors  the  intrepid  and  there  is  always  energy  enough 
to  carry  forward  a  great  enterprise,  and  so  it  proved.  On  April  2nd 
a  white  settler,  at  what  is  now  Algonquin,  welcomed  the  hardy 
Giffords  to  his  cabin  and  his  board  and  sent  them  forward  on  their 
quest  after  a  night  of  refreshing  repose. 


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The  last  ten  miles  of  their  Journey  offered  views  that  caused 
them  frequently  to  pause  to  admire;  but  when  they  reached  what 
Is  now  the  site  of  Elgin  and  halted  to  overlook  what  lay  before  and 
around  them,  each  man  felt  that  he  had  found  what  he  sought — 
the  promised  land. 

"  Fair  as  a  garden  of  the  Lord,"  It  looked  to  the'  eyes  of  the  man 
that  scanned  the  uplands  and  lowlands  before  him  and  recalled 
his  dreams  of  months  before.  Nor  Is  It  strange  that  once  again  to 
his  mind  arose  the  vision  of  an  Elgin  with  peaceful  homes,  the 
hum  of  wheels,  of  churches  and  schools,  their  bells  mingling  with 
the  voices  of  children  and  all  the  sounds  of  busy  life.  It  would 
not  have  been  strange  had  this  worn  traveler  voiced  the  song  of 
praise  and  thanksgiving  that  dominated  his  spirit  at  the  moment. 
Here  within  twenty -four  hours  were  the  stakes  driven  and  the  fur- 
rows ploughed  that  marked  the  beginning  of  our  Elgin,  one  of  the 
most  picturesque  and  thriving  towns  of  Illinois;  far  enough  away 
from  the  now  great  city's  madding  crowds  not  to  suffer  from  their 
misdeeds  or  follies ;  but  near  enough  to  benefit  from  the  advan- 
tages of  the  great  Northwestern  Metropolis. 

In  the  small  park  between  Villa  and  Prairie  streets  a  rough  frag- 
ment of  rock  marks  the  place  where  stood  the  log  cabin  of  James 
T.  Glfford  In  1835.  There  he  dwelt  with  his  gentle  wife  and  their 
five  children  for  several  years;  and  that  humble  cabin  was  the 
center  of  organization  for  the  necessary  departments  of  civil  gov- 
ernment, for  church  service,  for  school  and  for  the  demands  of 
society. 

The  Ideal  pioneer  Is  more  or  less  of  a  patriarch.  He  has  many 
attributes  that  belong  to  greatness.  He -must  be  fearless,  full  of 
resources,  unwearied  and  undlscouraged ;  he  must  be  always  a 
leader,  whether  in  advance  or  directing  progress  from  the  rear  of 
the  flock  about  him  which  Is  always  more  or  less  under  his  care. 
Mr.  Glfford  was  like  this,  although  no  man  was  less  arbitrary  than 
he.  Settlers  rapidly  followed  the  Glffords  and  claim  succeeded 
claim  on  each  side  of  the  river.  Most  of  these  settlers  were  hon- 
est, capable,  enterprising  men,  who  brought  beside  young  families, 
some  household  commodities,  a  few  Implements  of  husbandry, 
but  little  money.  But  the  larger  share  of  the  pioneers  of  Elgin 


of  Sfcuaimj  in  1B39 

PLATE  ONE 


The  Board  of  Trustees  to  whom  the  Old  Charter  was 
granted  in  1  839  was  composed  of 

1.  VINCENT  5.  LOVELL,  1839-1841 

2.  GENERAL  GEORGE  McCLURE,  1839-1861 

3.  LUTHER  HERRICK,  1839-1854 
COLTON  KNOX,  1839-1855 
REUBEN  JENNE,  1839-1843 
SOLOMON  HAMILTON,  1839-1855 
BURGESS  TRUESDELL,  1839-1856 

The  likenesses  of  the  two  last  named  are  shown  In  Plate  3. 


PLATE  ONE. 


PRINTED  FROM  AN  OLD 
ETCHING 


uljr  H0arJ»  of  olrusfrra  in  1 H54 

PLATE  TWO 

1.  REV.  ADONIRAM  JUDSON  JOSLYN,  1854-1868 

2.  HON.  BENJAMIN  W.  RAYMOND,  1854-1883 

3.  JOSEPH  TEFFT.  M.  D.,  President  of  Board,  1843-1888 

4.  WILLIAM  C.  KIMBALL,  1843-1875 

5.  JOHN  HILL,  1854-1863 

PLATE  THREE 

1.  HON.  AUGUSTUS  ADAMS,  1854-1857 

2.  BURGESS  TRUESDELL.  1839-1856 

Secretary  of  Board,  1839-1854 

3.  ORLANDO  DAVIDSON,  1854-1899 

4.  SOLOMON  HAMILTON,  1839-1855 

5.  MORRIS  C.  TOWN,  1854-1892 


PLATE  TWO 


PLATE  THREE 


A  iftatanj  of  lElgtn  Aratomg  [23 

brought  what  Is  best  for  any  community  In  whatever  locality — 
character.  They  were  men  and  women  of  decided  opinions  and 
strenuous  habits,  and  usually  willing  to  further  the  founding  of 
school  and  church  and  local  government.  They  came  seeking 
homes,  employment,  competence  and  Independence  as  outlined 
In  our  Republic.  They  believed  In  work.  They  found  a  virgin  soil, 
much  and  exhausting  toll,  slow  gains,  the  usual  buffetlngs  of  hu- 
man life  and  the  trials  of  a  new  country.  But  notwithstanding 
these  hindrances,  there  was  not  one  of  the  new  comers  that  did 
not  cherish  an  Ideal  "for  something  better  than  he  had  known." 
Thus,  to  the  promotion  of  "everything  good,"  they  gave,  like  the 
apostles  of  old,  of  what  they  had.  In  some  Instances  they  gave 
— themselves;  that  Is,  they  gave  their  best  thought,  their  confi- 
dence, their  spirit,  along  with  material  aid,  which  Is  not  seldom  the 
test  of  faith.  Pioneers  they  were  who  have  left  an  Impression  not 
only  on  Elgin,  but  In  It  and  through  It ;  the  Impression  of  their  own 
qualities.  Today  no  toller  in  the  town,  howsoever  Impoverished, 
is  despised  for  any  honest  labor,  nor  Is  there  any  limit  set  to  what 
position  any  one  may  attain  in  social  circles ;  but  a  common  senti- 
ment of  fairness  and  equality  prevails,  as  though  it  were  an  ex- 
pression still  drawn  from  Elgin's  founder:  "to  deal  justly,  love 
mercy  and  walk  humbly." 

Elgin  is  not  the  only  instance  of  a  city  that  has  existed  mentally 
before  It  became  an  established  fact.  And  as  for  institutions, 
many  have  been  carried  In  mind  for  long  periods  before  they  ma- 
terialized ;  therefore  it  is  not  strange,  from  what  has  already  been 
said,  that  the  idea  of  an  educational  institution  for  Elgin  should 
have  occurred  to  more  than  one  of  the  early  citizens.  It  Is  evident 
that  It  was  prominent  In  the  mind  of  Mr.  Gifford,  for  It  was  due  to 
his  efforts  that  a  Board  of  Trustees  was  selected  and  a  charter  for 
an  Elgin  academy  was  obtained  from  the  Illinois  Legislature  In 
1839. 

There  were  seven  charter  members,  most  of  them  in  the  prime 
of  life;  some  of  them  vigorous  in  opinion,  all  of  them  settled  in 
their  convictions,  which  were  nothing  if  not  honest.  These  men 
were  well  chosen  for  the  office  to  which  they  were  called,  for  they 


24]  A  ^i0tonj  of  Elgin 


represented  the  varying  shades  of  thought  of  the  new  community, 
upon  a  subject  In  which  all  were  Interested. 

The  first  member,  Solomon  Hamilton,  was  by  nature  large  and 
hospitable,  Intelligent  and  generous.  He  lived  on  the  West  Side 
from  1  836  to  1856  upon  the  farm  that  he  pre-empted  from  the  gov- 
ernment. No  sooner  had  a  roof  covered  his  cabin  than  It  was 
opened  for  religious  service.  Rev.  Washington  Wilcox  preached 
there  in  December,  1836,  the  second  Methodist  sermon  in  the  town. 
Mr.  Hamilton  was  In  sympathy  with  the  educational  idea  and  his 
name  at  the  head  of  the  list  of  those  who  applied  for  a  charter  was 
a  guarantee  of  good  faith.  But  of  the  seven  men  there  were  two 
who  listened  eagerly  to  the  plan  of  Mr.  Glfford  and  gave  it  cor- 
dial welcome  —  Burgess  Truesdell  and  Vincent  Lovell.  Both  were 
thoughtful,  industrious  citizens,  who  loved  study,  were  fond  of 
books  and  believed  In  education  and  progress.  Mr.  Truesdell  was 
an  enthusiastic  and  successful  horticulturist,  who  had  just  set  his 
new  home  in  a  projected  garden  which  became  the  paradise  of 
Elgin,  and  Is  still  remembered  as  one  remembers  the  features  of  a 
lovely  departed  friend.  Mr.  Lovell,  a  young  Englishman,  committed 
to  the  belief  in  the  high  destiny  of  the  land  of  his  adoption,  had  ad- 
vanced views  upon  practical  education.  Without  church  relations 
he  was,  notwithstanding,  a  devout  follower  of  the  Master  and  rever- 
ent in  his  attitude  toward  all  true  religion. 

Of  the  other  members  there  was  one  who  considered  the  sub- 
ject as  a  suggestion  of  duty  to  the  young  in  providing  for  their 
moral  and  religious  training,  whatever  other  instruction  they  might 
need.  This  brought  out  the  church  preferences  of  each  one  pres- 
ent, but  the  differences  were  satisfactorily  adjusted  by  the  agree- 
ment that  high  moral  character  was  a  safe  foundation  stone  for  the 
proposed  institution  ;  and  this  unity  of  spirit  showed  the  recogni- 
tion of  the  academy  for  the  first  time.  Another  member  suggested 
co-education  —  girls  should  have  the  same  courses  of  study  as 
boys;  perhaps,  on  account  of  his  own  daughters  who  appealed 
to  him,  but  there  was  not  a  dissenting  note  to  his  proposition. 
General  McClure,  of  the  War  of  1812,  whose  native  discern- 
ment and  good  Judgment  had  been  emphasized  by  his  military 
experience  and  worldly  knowledge,  stood  for  an  institution  of  sound 


LOUIS  H.  YARWOOD 
Trustee.  1863-1865 
Treasurer,  1864-1865 


ELIJAH  WILCOX 
Trustee,  1843-1854 


A  ©istnru  nf  £1  wit  AraJtemg 


[25 


moral  character  and  learning  of  high  order.  Thus  were  the  pro- 
visions of  the  old  charter  of  1 839  developed  and  the  Instrument 
obtained. 

But  the  problem  of  existence,  growing  families  and  absorbing 
Interests  allowed  the  charter  a  slumber  of  four  years. 

In  1843  the  old  board  was  reorganized.  Mr.  Lovell  had  removed 
to  Chicago.  Mr.  Jenne  resigned.  Mr.  Glfford,  Dr.  Tefft,  General 
Elijah  Wilcox,  Wm.  C.  Klmball  and  C.  K.  Anderson  became  new 
members. 

Mr.  Glfford  was  anxious  to  begin  to  erect  an  academy  building 
at  once  and  offered  a  site  for  It ;  but  the  subject  had  not  yet  taken 
root  deep  enough  for  a  successful  Issue,  and  while  the  plan  was 
being  considered  a  popular  clamor  began  for  a  union  school.  This 
naturally  took  precedence,  and  although  two  years  elapsed  before 
the  "Old  Brick"  was  begun  and  It  was  not  opened  until  1849, 
Elgin  Academy  was  again  retired  to  the  land  of  dreams. 


Jaruttg  1B56 


1.  ROBERT  BLENKIRON,  A.  M.,  Principal 

Teacher  of  Ancient  Lan£ua£es  and 
Higher  Mathematics 

2.  MISS  W.  M.  CAPRON 

Teacher  of  English  Lan&ua&e  and 
Literature 

3.  MISS  CLARA  EDGECOMBE 

Teacher  of  Primary  Classes 

4.  JOHN  B.  NEWCOMB 

Teacher  of  Phonography  (Shorthand), 
Natural  Sciences,  Penmanship  and 
Normal  Course 


THE  FIRST  FACULTY   1856 


Capital  Stock,  60,000  Dollars, 


sy  vnoa  A±JU 


CHAPTER  TWO 

Nartljmt  SUUuitH 

N  1848  the  Northern  Illinois  College  came  knocking  at 
Elgin's  door  through  the  Free-Wlll  Baptists,  who  had  a 
church  here.  Their  little  white  round-towered  meeting 
house  stood  on  the  ground  of  the  present  St.  John's  Church  on  the 
corner  of  Spring  and  Division  streets. 

The  Directors  of  the  proposed  college  were  desirous  of  obtaining 
the  most  eligible  location  possible  and  they  exercised  the  greatest 
care  In  Its  selection.  No  one  has  ever  questioned  their  taste  or 
wisdom  In  their  choice  of  as  beautiful  a  piece  of  land  as  the  sun 
ever  shone  upon.  It  was  purchased  of  Mr.  P.  J.  Kimball,  and  with- 
out delay  provisions  were  made  for  the  building  of  a  commodious 
college  structure. 

Upon  the  day  when  the  corner-stone  of  the  edifice  was  to  be 
laid,  a  procession  of  Elgin  citizens  with  friends  and  the  directors  of 
the  college  and  their  guests,  preceded  by  a  band  of  five  instru- 
ments, marched,  from  the  meeting  house  mentioned,  in  a  straight 
line,  with  no  intervening  streets  or  buildings,  to  the  grounds  on  the 
hill.  Many  and  enthusiastic  were  the  comments  of  the  visitors 
upon  the  beauty  and  natural  advantages  of  the  site. 

An  Impressive  ceremonial  with  the  usual  addresses  followed 
and  there  was  great  rejoicing  over  this  promising  institution  for  the 
education  of  youth  in  this  new  region.  An  eye  witness  reports  that 
after  the  exercises  a  large  number  of  friends  and  several  clergymen 
took  dinner  with  Rev.  N.  C.  Clark,  one  of  the  most  hospitable  of 
men  to  ideas,  no  less  than  to  people.  The  celebration  was  consid- 
ered to  have  been  a  fine  thing  for  Elgin,  and  a  little  pardonable 
pride  arose  In  the  vicinity,  along  with  the  first  story  of  the  college 
that  was  freighted  with  so  many  hopes. 

But  when  the  first  story  stood  firm  and  strong  on  its  foundations 
— there  it  rested.  Its  uprights  and  scaffolding,  like  guards  on  duty 
beyond  their  term  of  enlistment,  took  on  a  weather-stained  and 


30] 


A  ifiatanj  nf  Elgin  Aratemg 


weary  look  that  came  to  be  a  continual  appeal  for  rescue  from 
destruction.  For  several  years  these  mute  entreaties  were  In  vain 
and  College  Hill,  as  It  was  called,  was  the  resort  of  stray  bovine,  the 
rendezvous  of  curious  boys  and  strange  wanderers.  Finally  faint 
whisperings  took  the  shape  of  warnings,  "  to  keep  away  from  an 
uncanny  spot"  and  It  was  left  to  the  solitude  and  silence  of  nature. 
Nevertheless  changes  were  at  work;  the  good  seed,  long  sown  for 
academy  and  college,  began  to  show  Its  promise  of  fruitage. 

It  was  In  the  year  of  1 854  that  Elgin  elected  to  be  a  city.  There 
were  three  thousand  and  seven  hundred  Inhabitants,  though  a 
good  many  early  residents  and  friends,  and  Mr.  Glfford  among  the 
number,  had  Joined  the  silent  majority. 

Dr.  Joseph  Tefft  was  Elgin's  first  Mayor.  And  as  one  of  olden 
time  looked  over  his  domain  to  see  what  was  toward  or  untoward 
approaching,  the  Mayor  looked  abroad  to  see  what  might  be  em- 
ployed with  advantage  to  the  corporation  over  which  he  presided. 
He  could  discern  In  many  directions  moving  trains  of  merchandise 
and  treasure,  followed  by  wisdom  and  renown  and  bound  to  enrich 
the  cities  to  which  they  came.  He  remembered  the  man  that  had 
sought  by  every  means  in  his  power  all  these  things  for  the  town 
that  he  had  founded  and  loved,  to  the  end  that  it  might  grow  and 
flourish,  do  its  work  in  the  world,  and  bring  honor  and  respect  and 
good  to  all  Its  people.  And  the  Mayor  thought  of  these  things 
and  of  the  college  on  the  hill,  desolate  and  forlorn;  and  he  took 
counsel  of  some  of  the  strong  men  of  the  city  and  they  agreed  with 
him  what  ought  to  be  done  to  develop  the  new  city  in  all  directions. 


YE  OLDE  ACADEMIE  LOCK 


HENRY  SHERMAN 
Trustee,  1855-1893 


THE  ACADEMY  BELL 
Hun£  in  the  dome  In  the  Spring  of  1857 

It  bears  the  Inscription: 
"From  Meneelys',  West  Troy,  N.  Y.,  1855" 


MORRIS  C.  TOWN 

Trustee,  1854-1892 

Treasurer,  1865 


CHAPTER  THREE 


flf 


ON  AUGUST  12th  of  the  year  1854,  mentioned  in  the  last 
chapter,  a  meeting  of  the  Trustees  was  called  and  for  the 
third  time  they  took  up  the  deferred  subject  of  an  educa- 
tional institution  for  the  youth  of  Elgin.  Much  interest  was  shown. 
Dr.  Tefft  was  made  President  of  the  board,  new  members  were 
elected  to  fill  vacancies  and  so  strong  a  sentiment  prevailed  that 
the  President  in  acknowledging  his  obligation  for  his  election, 
affirmed:  "  We  must  have  the  Academy,  for  Elgin  needs  it,  and  I 
promise  you,  gentlemen,  to  exert  every  energy  to  establish  and 
maintain  it."  How  well  he  kept  his  promise  is  recorded  in  his 
thirty-three  years  of  service. 

A  committee  was  appointed  to  negotiate  with  the  directors  of 
the  defunct  Illinois  College  for  a  transfer  of  their  property  in  Elgin, 
to  the  Trustees  of  the  Academy.  The  arrangement  was  not  com- 
pleted until  the  following  year  when,  upon  the  payment  of  $  1  ,300 
full  possession  was  given,  although  about  $2,000  remained  to  be 
paid  at  intervals. 

The  financial  question  was  the  vital  one  now,  and  the  Trustees, 
being  an  Incorporated  body  by  the  terms  of  their  charter  of  1  839, 
met  it  boldly  but  simply.  They  opened  subscription  books  for  the 
sale  of  Academy  stock  at  $50  per  share,  advertising  the  same  with 
the  announcement  that  it  was  in  the  interest  of  Elgin,  city  and 
town. 

It  is  one  thing  to  make  a  proposition  to  a  community,  it  Is  quite 
another  thing  to  convince  It  that  the  presented  views  are  sound; 
but  it  is  the  triumph  of  reason  and  speech  to  bring  forth  for  any 
cause,  the  bone  and  sinews  of  war  In  hard  earned  dollars.  The 
Trustees  were  an  advance  guard,  convinced  of  the  advantages  In 
the  proposed  Academy  for  Elgin,  but  they  sought  an  endorsement 
in  a  popular  demonstration  which  they  soon  received, 


34]  A  l^tHtoru  of  Elgin  Aratemg 

1.  The  suggestion  of  a  scholarly  education  appealed  to  a  large 
number  of  parents  who  said:    "  Have  we  not  come  West  In  order 
to  give  our  children  a  chance?" 

2.  The  Idea  of  benefit  to  trade  and  business  had   Its  weight; 
also  that  of  the  desirable  reputation  that  an  Institution  of  learning 
might  confer  upon  the  town.    Nor  was  the  advantage  overlooked 
of  a  school  that  might  discover  near  home  the  timber  for  lawyers 
and  doctors  and  ministers.    But  after  all,  most  people  held  the 
main   thought  of  their  Ideals,  the  benefits  of  training  which  must 
open   the  door  to  opportunities  for  broader  living,  wider  compre- 
hension and  greater  usefulness.     The  beneficent  plans  for  Elgin  by 
Its  founder  were  thus  reflected  In  the  hearts  of  the  citizens  and 
they  came  forward,  took  Academy  stock  and  paid  at  once  Into  the 
hands  of  the  Trustees  $7,800.     And  the  long  deferred  edifice  on 
College  Hill  arose  -simple,  honest,  strong,  the  expression  of  the 
thought  for  highest  good  and  committed  to  Its  promulgation. 

The  substantial  three-story  building  of  Dundee  brick,  40x100 
feet  In  dimension,  allowed  for  lofty  walls  and  commodious  rooms, 
generously  lighted.  The  excellent  designs  of  the  architect  of  the 
Northern  Illinois  College,  Mr.  J.  — .  Qulgley  of  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  were 
well  carried  out  In  stone,  brick  and  wood  by  Mr.  Joshua  Wllber  and 
Mr.  E.  F.  Reeves,  both  of  Elgin,  and  this  building  is  to-day  a  stand- 
Ing  testimonial  of  the  conscientious  work  of  its  builders. 

The  opening  of  the  Academy  to  students  was  announced  for 
December  1,  1856,  and  the  date  was  eagerly  anticipated.  In  ihe 
meantime,  1855,  an  amendment  had  been  obtained  to  the  charter 
of  1839  more  fully  stating  the  purpose  of  the  Institution,  its  cor- 
porate and  other  powers  named  and  Invested  in  Its  Trustees  and 
giving  them  authority  to  bestow  diplomas  upon  students  complet- 
ing the  different  courses  of  study. 

The  provision  of  the  charter  for  manual  training  had  for  its 
object  the  recognition  of  hand  training  as  a  factor  in  education  for 
the  most  useful  life. 

Regarding  religious  denominations  and  faith,  It  was  decided  by 
the  first  Board  of  Trustees  to  follow  the  Constitution  of  the  United 
States  and  require  no  particular  profession  of  faith  either  of  Instruc- 
tors or  of  students. 


INCREASE  C.  BOSWORTH 
Trustee,  1868-1888 


at  Elgin  Arahrtmj 


[35 


The  clearness  of  the  objects  stated,  the  hi&h  character  of  the 
proposed  Instruction,  and  the  great  freedom  from  restrictions  Indi- 
cate the  liberal  spirit  which  has  ever  been  a  distinctive  feature  of 
the  Academy. 


THE  OLD  BIBLES  PRESENTED  BY  THE  STUDENTS 
IN  ATTENDANCE  DURING  THE  FIRST  TERM  OF  SCHOOL 

IN  1856  AND  1857 

The  Call  Bells  originally  used  In  the 

East  and  West  Rooms 


ROBERT  BLENKIRON,  A.  M. 

(A.  B.,  Christ's  College,  Cambridge) 

Principal,  1856-1858,  and 

Spring  Term,  1860 


awtdjtttrj  of  tlj?  draft 


QROFESSOR  ROBERT  BLENKIRON,  A.  B.,  Christ  College, 
Cambridge,  England,  was  engaged  as  head  master  with 
four  able  assistants  to  direct  the  new  enterprise  in  its 
untried  waters. 

Dr.  Tefft,  Mr.  Davidson,  the  new  faculty,  and  a  few  other  friends 
assembled  at  the  academy  on  the  appointed  morning,  anxious  to 
see  the  start.  Everything  had  a  most  favorable  outlook.  There 
were  the  fine  looking  officers  and  the  throng  of  young  folks 
with  whom  they  were  to  make  the  voyage  of  the  year.  The 
chart  explained  by  President  Tefft  Indicated  auspicious  weather, 
an  open  channel  and  fair  sailing.  The  ports  where  stops  were  to 
be  made,  he  said,  could  be  discerned  in  the  distance,  even  on  that 
morning.  Some  glimpses  of  those  ports  have  never  been  entirely 
lost;  though  fogs  and  clouds  and  head  -winds  have  often  made  the 
sailing  of  the  Academy  ship  perilous,  nevertheless  it  may  truly  be 
said  that  the  main  course  has  never  been  changed  —  it  has  always 
been  near  the  open  channel,  if  not  In  it. 

Professor  Blenkiron  was  thoroughly  prepared  for  his  profes- 
sion, not  alone  by  his  high  training,  but  by  his  natural  qualities 
also.  His  love  for  his  chosen  work  and  his  charming  personality 
combined  with  all  these  qualifications  to  make  a  principal  that  left 
nothing  to  be  desired. 

The  first  floor  of  the  east  wing  was  occupied  by  the  family  of 
the  principal,  as  has  been  the  custom  of  most  principals;  though 
for  years  there  were  few  conveniences  there  for  domestic  life. 
West  hall  had  rooms  on  either  side  which  were  rented  to  students; 
some  of  these  apartments  were  partially  furnished.  This  hall  was 
the  nearest  approach  to  a  dormitory  that  the  Academy  ever  pos- 
sessed. The  entire  second  floor  was  for  school  uses.  In  the 
pleasant  west  room  were  the  older  students  under  the  supervision 


38]  A  Ijlatorij  of  Elgin  Aratomg 

of  the  principal ;  In  the  pleasant  east  room,  younger  pupils  were  in 
charge  of  the  preceptress.  The  two  recitation  rooms  were  occu- 
pied respectively  by  the  assistants  and  their  classes.  The  large 
open  corridor  opening  upon  the  balcony  became  a  convenient 
lobby  for  frequent  resort  of  the  students  and  visitors  upon  occasion. 
The  third  floor  was  an  unbroken  apartment,  except  for  its  innumer- 
able windows  and  the  enclosed  stairway  to  the  attic  and  the  belfry, 
where  boys  were  fain  to  climb  and  occasional  investigators  also, 
who,  if  they  found  nothing  else,  were  amply  paid  by  the  view  of 
Elgin  and  the  country  which  flanks  it,  spread  like  a  glorious  picture 
at  their  feet. 

In  these  primitive  days  there  were  neither  storm-doors  nor  ves- 
tibules, neither  blinds  nor  even  shades  for  the  windows  of  the 
school-rooms  where  the  sun  entered  at  will.  Illumination  at  night 
came  from  candles  or  from  fluid  lamps,  happily  forgotten  now,  and 
the  rooms — great  and  small,  knew  only  the  heat  of  stoves  for  many 
years.  As  to  water,  a  deep  well  furnished  what  was  required  for 
the  thirsty,  and  for  all  who  were  domiciled  on  the  grounds. 

There  were  no  real  courses  of  study.  But  nearly  every  course 
and  everything  in  it  was  at  the  mercy  of  the  pupil's  selection.  The 
trained  master  knew  how  to  lead  these  young  minds  toward  the 
waiting  fountains  of  knowledge ;  was  it  not  for  this  he  had  come? 

The  character  and  moral  tone  of  the  school  was  inaugurated  on 
its  first  day,  and  it  has  lost  nothing  in  fifty  years.  The  first  explan- 
ation of  the  educational  plans  and  of  their  extent  and  the  provisions 
of  the  trustees  for  a  liberal  training  needed  no  repetition.  Work 
began  at  once,  Incisive  and  direct.  The  machinery  moved  without 
a  hitch ;  barriers  and  hindrances  that  had  loomed  like  frowning  bat- 
teries fell  away  and  months  slipped  along  almost  like  a  dream. 
The  Influence  of  the  Academy  during  its  first  year  inspired  at  least 
a  few  of  its  pupils  with  a  love  for  learning  and  all  with  respect 
for  it. 

A  feature  of  good  academies  is  the  earnestness  of  their  students, 
and  Elgin  Academy  is  no  exception  in  this  particular.  School  is 
like  life  in  a  small  world :  "  the  rich  and  the  poor,  the  high  and  the 
low,  they  meet  together"  and  who  can  say  which  of  these  will 
prevail  ?  No  school  has  a  monopoly  of  either  dullness  or  brilliance  ; 


JAMES  SYLLA,  A.  M. 
Principal,  1858  until  Spring  Term  1860 


A  IfiHtarg  at  £lgttt  Aratomg  [39 

but  there  are  few  schools  without  a  dunce.  Thousands  of  students 
have  been  trained  In  Elgin  Academy  who  have  gone  out  and  have 
filled  stations  of  responsibility  and  trust,  reflecting  credit  upon  their 
trainers  and  their  school.  In  the  year  1857  occurred  the  great 
financial  crisis  of  the  country,  which  reached  even  to  the  towns 
along  the  Fox  river.  Money  was  scarce  and  hard  to  get,  but  for- 
tunately abundant  harvests  made  the  necessaries  of  life  ample. 
Never  were  exchanges  of  produce  and  merchandise  more  satis- 
factorily accomplished  than  In  1857.  Some  money  was  requisite, 
however,  for  the  new  educational  enterprise,  and  early  In  the  year 
1858  the  trustees  found  it  an  unavoidable  necessity  to  make  a  loan 
of  $2,000  for  its  benefit.  The  first  cloud  on  the  mental  horizon  of 
the  Academy  appeared  at  the  close  of  the  school  year  in  the  resig- 
nation of  Professor  Blenkiron.  The  threatening  condition  of  his 
health  compelled  him  to  consign  to  other  hands  the  charge  he  had 
assumed.  It  was  a  bitter  trial  to  him  and  a  grievous  one  to  those 
students  who  loved  him  and  have  adored  his  memory  with  the 
enduring  affection  of  their  lives. 

In  September,  1 858,  Mr.  James  Sylla,  A.  B.,  stepped  from  the  posi- 
tion of  first  assistant  of  the  year  before  to  that  of  principal.  By  his 
side  stood  his  able  partner,  Mrs.  Sylla,  known  for  the  two  preceding 
years  as  Miss  Capron,  the  popular  preceptress.  Mr.  Sylla,  son  ot 
an  Elgin  citizen,  was  educated  at  Galesburg,  Illinois,  and  Rochester, 
N.  Y.  He  was  well  prepared  for  professional  teaching,  and  was  ot 
pleasing  manners  and  address.  His  influence  was  that  of  a  high- 
minded  Christian  gentleman.  He  was  an  excellent  classical  scholar, 
but  very  fond  of  all  good  literature  and  made  it  a  feature  of  the 
school  to  frequently  read,  himself,  or  have  read  choice  selections 
of  prose  and  poetry  for  general  benefit.  In  point  of  numbers  the 
school  was  small.  The  change  in  principals  had  affected  it  and 
the  first  enthusiasm  had  partially  worn  off.  The  Syllas  Introduced 
physical  exercises  with  good  results.  German  was  a  favorite 
study  with  a  native  German  teacher.  The  general  tone  of  the  in- 
stitution was  good  without  being  enthusiastic.  Early  In  1 860  the 
Chicago  University  of  that  day  called  Mr.  Sylla  to  its  staff  of  in- 
structors and  he  left  at  the  close  of  the  winter  term.  Mr.  Blenki- 
ron, who  was  still  in  the  city,  was  able  to  complete  the  year. 


40]  A  ^i0torg  of  lElgin  Aratemg 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Clark  Braden,  from  school  and  college  In  eastern 
Ohio,  came  In  1860. 

An  unsettled  condition  of  thought  upon  vital  questions  pre- 
vailed In  many  minds  hitherto  unaccustomed  to  thought,  and 
produced  a  restlessness  that  affected  the  whole  country  and  held 
It  In  the  sickness  of  suspense. 

The  Academy  opened  less  propitiously  that  year  In  September 
than  had  been  hoped.  The  trustees  Insisted  upon  "the  mainten- 
ance of  a  school  of  high  order,"  but  the  enthusiasm  of  1856 
seemed  to  have  passed,  the  public  schools  had  become  more 
popular  and  It  was  evident  there  was  a  greater  demand  for  the 
three  Rs  than  for  ancient  languages.  Beside,  the  spirit  of  scholastic 
energy,  so  dear  to  the  ambitious  teacher,  was  continually  worn 
away  by  absences,  lack  of  interest,  or  untoward  circumstances. 
Tuitions  were  paid  slowly,  gains  were  small  and  cares  were  op- 
pressive ;  but  yet  the  school  went  on,  orderly,  steadily.  Rules  and 
orders  marked  the  hours  with  precision.  And  then  came  the  No- 
vember election  of  Lincoln.  Nearly  everything  else  was  forgotten, 
almost  to  breathe,  and  the  very  air  seemed  full  of  threats  of  im- 
pending doom,  though  North  and  South  waited,  like  Caesar's 
friends,  for  the  early  days  of  March,  1861.  And  then,  when  inau- 
guration day  was  past,  there  was  a  shot  that  seemed  to  shake  the 
universe  and  to  strike  at  every  heart. 

The  Union,  beloved  and  adored,  idol  of  our  people,  was  rent 
and  torn  and  the  broken  fragments,  as  they  fell,  carried  ruin  with 
them.  It  is  an  "over  true  tale"  and  the  Academy  knows  it  by 
heart. 

The  challenge  of  Sumter's  gun  woke  more  than  echoes  in  Fox 
River  Valley.  Men  and  boys  sprang  into  line  and  marched  away  to 
meet  and  answer  with  their  lives,  "  the  foes  of  our  own  household." 
Among  these  first  volunteers  of  April  15,  1 86 1 ,  were  some  of  the 
boys  of  the  Academy.  Their  names  may  be  seen  In  the  Roll  of 
Honor.  A  list  for  many  a  day  hung  on  the  north  wall  of  the  west 
room.  Mr.  Braden  would  fain  have  Joined  the  young  patriots  and 
have  shared  their  fate,  but  the  Trustees  believed  that  he  would 
serve  honor  and  duty  more  by  remaining  at  his  post  than  by  leav- 


CLARK  BRADEN,  A.  B. 
Principal,  1860-1863 


A  HftHtunj  nf  Elgin  Aratemg  [41 

Ing  It  to  go  to  war.  And  he  acquiesced.  There  were  sons  and 
daughters  In  the  school  soon  to  put  In  practice  the  lessons  they 
were  learning  and  they  looked  to  him  for  assistance  which  he  could 
not  refuse. 

It  was  at  this  time,  when  large  and  frequent  public  meetings  de- 
noted Interest  In  the  fortunes  of  the  war,  that  It  was  discovered  that 
Academy  Hall  was  the  most  capacious  of  any  In  the  town,  and 
thither  many  of  the  crowds  went,  especially  when  some  popular 
speaker  was  to  be  heard.  Carl  Schurz,  who  has  Just  passed  away, 
gave  an  address  In  Academy  Hall  during  Lincoln's  campaign  In 
'60.  It  occurred  In  the  afternoon,  and  he  was  Introduced  by  his 
fellow  countryman,  Dr.  C.  A.  Jaeger  of  Elgin,  who  Is  still  In  full  re- 
membrance of  the  event.  There,  too,  were  held  the  exhibitions, 
reunions  and  festivals  of  the  school.  Upon  one  of  these  occa- 
sions a  conspicuous  evergreen  motto,  high  upon  the  wall,  met  the 
eyes,  bearing  the  legend:  "It  will  be  pleasant  to  have  remembered 
these  things." 

The  old  hall  was  a  suitable  place  for  scholastic  eloquence,  and 
It  has  witnessed  many  moving  scenes  of  expression  "  taken  from 
life,"  and  rendered  so  true  to  nature  that  they  still  haunt  the 
memory  of  many  an  old  student. 

It  Is  Interesting  to  look  over  the  first  catalogue  of  the  Academy, 
'56-'63,  published  by  Mr.  Braden.  There,  two  courses  of  study  are 
given — viz.:  the  Scientific,  divided  Into  the  Preparatory,  two  years ; 
and  the  Academic,  four  years. 

The  Classical,  divided  also  Into  the  Preparatory,  two  years;  and 
the  Academic,  three  years. 

Students  completing  either  of  the  courses  were  to  receive 
diplomas  which  would  admit  them  to  the  Junior  year  of  any  col- 
lege In  the  West.  These  courses  of  study  were  announced  for 
1863,  but  up  to  that  time  regular  courses  of  study  In  the  school 
had  been  unknown.  Mr.  Braden,  like  his  predecessors,  taught  Latin, 
Greek  and  higher  mathematics  to  those  who  demanded  them. 

The  estimate  of  expenses  for  a  student  one  year  at  the  Academy 
are  worthy  of  note.  Thus:  Board,  tuition,  fuel  and  light  In  the 
Academy,  $50-$75.  Tuition,  with  board,  etc.,  outside  the  Acad- 
emy, $75-$100, 


42]  A  IftBtarg  of  Elgin  Aratemg 

These  conditions  no  longer  exist.  They  belong  to  the  good  old 
times. 

The  President's  proclamation  of  emancipation  January  1 ,  1 863, 
and  the  fall  of  Vicksburg  on  July  4  mark  the  year  as  a  memor- 
able one.  The  war  was  still  on  and  Elgin  continued  to  give  to  its 
insatiable  demands  her  blood  and  treasure. 

In  September,  1 863,  Mr.  C.  C.  Wheeler,  with  his  cultivated  and 
charming  wife,  came  from  Central  New  York,  where  they  had  been 
very  successful  teachers,  and  they  were  welcomed  and  duly  In- 
stalled as  principals  of  the  Academy. 

The  financial  depression  that  had  been  so  unyielding  relaxed 
and  the  number  of  students  greatly  increased.  Instruction  in  Eng- 
lish studies  was  most  in  demand.  Tuitions  are  quoted  at  $5.50,  $7.50 
and  $9.00  per  term.  Mr.  Wheeler  endeavored  to  classify  the  school 
into  regular  work,  but  he  was  only  partially  successful.  He  was  an 
able  instructor  and  the  institution  was  spoken  of  as  one  of  high 
order.  Mrs.  Wheeler  exerted  a  great  Influence  both  by  her  per- 
sonal manners  and  her  well-trained  mind,  and  the  fine  quality  of 
her  work  is  still  remembered.  But  the  spirit  of  change  was  abroad 
and  its  silent  forces  could  not  be  stayed.  Early  in  1864  came 
the  first  whisperings  of  that  enterprise,  which  developed  into  an 
establishment  world-known,  the  National  Watch  Company.  The 
Borden  Condensing  factory  quietly  entered  Elgin  in  this  year  and 
Elgin  has  benefited  from  both. 

Although  the  school  at  the  Academy  continued  without  inter- 
ruption, its  income  from  tuitions  and  rentals  was  insufficient  for  its 
demands.  An  Inside  view,  obtained  not  from  records  but  from  per- 
sonal information,  shows  that  but  for  the  personal  supervision  and 
fostering  care  of  President  Tefft,  aided  by  the  Trustees,  the  institu- 
tion must  have  closed  its  doors.  But  the  good  doctor  believed  in 
It  and  he  labored  for  it  as  one  does  for  a  dependent  child. 

One  day  the  Academy  was  advertised  for  sale  to  satisfy  a  mort- 
gage that  would  not  be  appeased  without  sacrifice.  Stockholders 
with  unpaid  subscriptions  were  pressed  in  vain  for  dues.  A  post- 
ponement of  the  sale  was  arranged  and  most  strenuous  efforts 
made  to  pay  the  debt,  which  grew  no  smaller.  The  city  of  Elgin 
agreed  to  take  $4,000  of  Academy  stock  under  certain  conditions, 


C.  C.  WHEELER,  A.  B.,  A.  M. 
Principal,  1863  to  Spring  Term  1865 


I.  H.  NUTTING,  M.  D. 
Principal,  Spring  Term,  1865,  and  Fall  Term,  1866 


A  Iftatorg  nf  Elgin  Arafomg  [43 

which  were  granted ;  but  time  passed  and  the  stock  certificates  for 
eighty  shares  still  remained  unclaimed. 

By  the  President's  proclamation,  the  Thanksgiving  day  of  1 864 
was  made  a  national  one,  and  has  been  so  observed  since.  It  was 
full  of  thanks  upon  this  occasion  on  account  of  the  re-election  of 
Lincoln  for  President. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wheeler  departed,  and  Dr.  J.  H.  Nutting,  a  Dart- 
mouth man  from  Andover,  N.  H.,  in  the  spring  of  '65  took  up  the 
sceptre  they  laid  down.  Could  he  have  remained  long  enough  he 
would  have  left  more  than  an  Impression,  for,  it  is  said,  he  was  a 
natural  language  teacher  and  he  is  credited  with  using  a  grammar, 
in  his  classes,  of  which  he  was  the  author. 

But  ere  the  leaves  had  fallen  his  work  was  done  and  his  wife 
and  children  journeyed  sadly  back  to  the  granite  hills  they  had  left 
a  few  months  before  with  promising  hopes.  The  death  of  Dr.  Nut- 
ting is  the  only  one  that  has  ever  occurred  in  the  Academy  build- 
Ing  during  these  fifty  years.  Mr.  W.  H.  Brydges,  Dr.  Nutting's  able 
assistant,  completed  the  year  '65  and  also  the  spring  and  summer 
terms  of  1866. 

Professor  Brydges,  citizen  of  Elgin,  soldier  of  his  country  and 
instructor  of  youth,  needs  neither  introduction  nor  eulogy  from  the 
pen  of  any  contemporary,  for  his  sterling  characteristics  are  known 
not  to  have  changed  or  waned  In  his  many  years  of  labor.  His 
administrations  have  been  marked  by  their  high  standards. 

The  war  was  practically  over  and  nature  had  begun  her  work  of 
softening  the  furrows  that  marred  the  land  where  strife  had  been, 
and  the  people,  In  the  face  of  bitter  sorrow,  took  up  their  bur- 
dens and  readjusted  them  and  began  to  toll  onward;  when,  as  at 
the  sound  of  doom,  every  heart  stood  still,  over  the  news  of  the 
assassination  of  Lincoln.  The  war  was  Indeed  over,  but  its  cost 
for  many  a  year — even  yet,  must  rise  before  us  with  its  haunting 
memories,  "  lest  we  forget,  lest  we  forget." 

Various  events  varied  the  monotony  of  life  In  Elgin  in  1866. 
The  bridge  that  crossed  the  Fox  was  swept  away  by  flood.  The 
Young  Men's  Christian  Association  of  Elgin  was  organized.  Watch- 
making began  in  the  new  building  just  completed,  and  the  Board 
of  Trustees  of  Elgin  Academy  received  an  offer  of  $6,000  for  the 


44]  A  IftHtorg  nf  Elgin  Aratomg 

building  and  grounds.  The  offer  was  declined  and  Mr.  B.  G.  Cllley, 
B.  A.,  a  cultivated  gentleman  from  New  Hampshire,  was  engaged 
to  administer  the  educational  affairs  of  the  Academy  according  to 
the  usual  instructions. 

The  Board  of  Trustees  sustained  a  great  loss  in  the  death' of  Mr. 
A.  J.  Waldron,  who  had  been  one  of  the  first  stockholders,  a  firm 
supporter  and  a  valuable  friend  of  the  Academy. 

Mr.  Cilley  had  the  reputation  of  being  a  thorough  scholar,  and 
he  made  great  efforts  while  here  to  arrange  courses  of  study  that 
would  be  practicable  and  also  satisfactory.  At  the  close  of  the 
year  the  President  bestowed  six  certificates  upon  six  students  who 
had  completed  certain  work. 

The  administrations  of  Dr.  Nutting  and  of  Professor  Cllley  were 
so  brief  there  Is  but  a  line  required  to  tell  what  is  remembered  of 
either  or  both  of  them ;  they  appear  like  shadowy  forms  in  a  pic- 
ture. Professor  Cllley  resigned  on  account  of  Illness  and  returned 
to  his  old  home  and  died  In  a  few  weeks. 

The  Academy  was  thus  again  subject  to  change.  The  Board 
met  and  passed  the  following  resolution:  "In  view  of  the  indebt- 
edness of  the  town  of  Elgin  for  soldiers'  bounties  and  for  the 
expense  of  a  new  bridge,  the  Trustees  of  Elgin  Academy  deem  it 
inexpedient  for  the  city  to  purchase  Academy  stock  and  they 
withdraw  their  stock  proposition  made  last  year  to  the  Council." 

The  Board  had  borrowed  the  money  at  high  rate  to  satisfy  the 
mortgage  two  years  before,  but  they  were  citizens  and  willing  to 
save  the  honor  as  well  as  the  credit  of  Elgin. 

Having  drawn  so  frequently  on  the  East  for  principals,  it  was 
thought  suitable  to  select  one  nearer  home ;  accordingly  Professor 
A.  5.  Barry,  who  had  long  been  a  teacher,  and  recently  teacher 
and  superintendent  In  St.  Charles,  came  from  there  to  take  charge 
of  the  Academy  In  1867.  Mrs.  Barry  was  assistant.  The  school 
was  under  their  direction  for  three  years.  It  was  during  Professor 
Barry's  administration  that  the  plan  was  considered  of  combining 
the  public  schools  and  the  Academy  for  mutual  benefit,  but  the 
Idea  was  never  carried  out.  At  that  time  the  systems  of  teaching 
in  each  were  dissimilar  and  at  present  each  has  its  own  field  of 
work;  but  surely  there  need  be  no  rivalry  between  the  public 


WILLIAM  H.  BRYDGES 

Principal,  Winter  and  Spring  Terms 

of  1866 


B.  G.  CILLEY,  A.  B. 
Principal,  1866-1867 


A  Sustnrtr  of  Slgin  Arafrmg  [45 

school  and  an  academy  except  a  healthy  one.  Prof.  Barry  took 
very  practical  views  of  education,  preferring  the  English  to  classical 
studies,  as  being  more  directly  useful  and  at  hand.  He  was  a 
strong  man  In  his  Ideas  and  positive  In  their  expression.  He  had 
succeeded  so  well  In  St.  Charles  that  a  number  of  his  pupils  there 
followed  him  to  Elgin  Academy,  and  he  Is  still  remembered  as  a 
forcible  Instructor. 

By  1 870  the  whole  country  had  taken  on  new  life.  The  popula- 
tion had  reached  and  passed  the  5,000  mark.  The  city  limits  had 
been  extended  toward  the  east  and  the  south.  New  enterprises 
were  sought,  Important  buildings  erected,  and  business  was  flour- 
ishing. The  new  Industries  drew  attention  from  outside  and  there 
were  newcomers  seeking  employment  and  others  changing  their 
occupation. 

Professor  Barry  left  the  Academy  to  engage  in  other  fields  of 
labor.  Regarding  his  work,  one  of  his  old  students  pays  him  this 
tribute:  "There  are  many  who  know  the  value  of  the  years  spent 
under  Mr.  Barry's  instruction  and  who  are  ever  ready  to  testify 
that  the  lessons  of  promptness,  respect  for  law  and  order  and  the 
faithful  fulfillment  of  duties  then  taught  have  been  a  strengthen- 
ing influence  and  help  through  life." 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  A.  G.  Sears  came  to  the  Academy  from  highly 
successful  work  In  southern  Ohio,  bringing  with  them  unusual 
equipment  in  experience,  beside  their  educational  attainments,  and 
an  encouraging  confidence  In  good  hard  work  of  which  they  had 
an  abundance  at  hand.  . 

The  building  needed  changes  and  repairs;  there  was  woeful 
lack  of  equipment  for  instruction  and  for  the  comfort  of  both 
students  and  teachers.  The  trustees  made  new  exertions  to  meet 
these  requirements,  and  gradually  they  were  accomplished,  with 
the  unfailing  help  of  the  principals. 

It  is  Inevitable  that  dynasties  partake  of  the  nature  of  their 
rulers ;  especially  In  the  kingdom  of  a  school.  Some  innovations 
were  made,  but  with  benefit  to  the  school,  which  was  held  as 
rigidly  as  possible  to  regular  courses  of  study:  Preparatory,  Nor- 
mal, English,  Classical,  Latin,  Scientific,  College  Preparatory  and 
Business — enough  for  all,  surely. 


46]  A  Hftaiorg  of  3Etgttt  Aratemg 

The  school  law  of  1872  required  public  school  teachers  to  be 
examined  In  the  elements  of  the  natural  sciences ;  In  Physiology 
and  In  the  Laws  of  Health,  beside  the  common  English  branches. 
These  were  added  as  special  studies  to  the  Normal  Course  and 
brought  to  the  Academy  a  large  number  of  teachers,  who  prepared 
themselves  to  disseminate  their  acquired  knowledge  In  the  schools 
of  Illinois.  Young  men  availed  themselves  of  advantages  adapted 
to  their  wants  and  applied  themselves  commendably  to  necessary 
subjects.  The  Academy  was  crowded  to  Its  doors.  More  than  two 
hundred  and  fifty  students  were  taken  care  of  at  a  time  and  were 
well  taught  by  the  principal  and  his  assistants.  The  first  bona-flde 
diplomas  issued  to  a  regular  class  of  the  institution  were  bestowed 
in  1874  and  great  was  the  joy  of  the  recipients.  The  Academy 
president  beamed  with  satisfaction  upon  the  occasion,  for  his  Ideal 
of  a  school  of  "a  high  order"  was  being  realized  by  this  achieve- 
ment. Mr.  Lewis  Skinner  completed  the  course  of  study  in  1 873  and 
received  the  first  diploma  of  Elgin  Academy  bearing  that  date,  but 
the  first  regular  class  obtained  them  In  1 874.  Academy  Hall  was 
divided  and  fitted  for  a  school  room,  called  the  ungraded  depart- 
ment, where  the  overflow  was  taken  care  of  by  an  especial  teacher. 

The  war  had  given  new  interest  to  U.  5.  History  and  to  our 
Civil  Government,  then,  as  now,  under  particular  consideration, 
and  these  subjects  were  not  unwelcome  ones  to  those  soon  to 
become  citizens  of  our  Republic.  English  Literature  was  intro- 
duced as  a  senior  study  and  Botany  classes  In  their  season  were 
filled  with  enthusiastic  workers.  The  drill  in  ordinary  English 
studies  was  thorough  and  earnest,  while  the  students  were  en- 
couraged to  take  up  a  course  leading  to  a  college  training  as 
giving  the  most  satisfactory  discipline  to  the  mind,  though  not  In- 
dispensable. Each  year  a  larger  class  was  graduated,  of  young 
people  with  some  training  for  the  duties  of  life.  Graduation  day 
seemed  like  an  event  in  the  community,  when  such  annuals  were 
less  frequent  than  now.  There  was  discernible,  too,  a  spirit  among 
the  students  which  rejoiced  many  a  heart.  A  spirit  of  loving  and 
giving.  Perhaps  it  had  been  influenced  by  the  observance  of 
"  Class  Day  "  which  still  lives,  and  the  "  Tree  Day  "  which  resulted 
in  many  memorials  that  have  withstood  the  frost  and  the  drouth 


ALFRED  S.  BARRY 
Principal,  1867-1869 


REV.  ALEXANDER  GIBSON  WILSON,  D.  D. 
Principal,  1881  -1883 


A  IftBtnrg  of  Elgin  Aratemg  [47 

and  now  furnish  shade  and  variety  to  old  friends  or  new  In  com- 
mon hospitality.  There  came  to  be  an  atmosphere  of  conscious 
dignity  about  the  building  as  though  It  stood  for  high  Ideals  that  at 
last  were  known. 

After  eleven  years  of  service,  Professor  and  Mrs  Sears,  deeply 
regretted,  withdrew,  leaving  the  "school  on  the  hill"  In  a  prosperous 
condition.  The  old  debt  was  paid,  building  and  grounds  Improved, 
and  the  trustees  more  than  gratified. 

Elgin  had  advanced,  too,  In  the  past  eleven  years,  In  population 
(now  8,000),  In  Ideas  and  In  enterprise.  The  public  schools  had 
moved  with  the  times ;  better  buildings,  more  system  and  greater 
efficiency  were  apparent  everywhere.  New  churches,  too,  had 
risen  with  the  Increasing  responsibilities  of  the  city,  as  If  to  keep 
abreast  with  its  moral  and  religious  obligation  to  humanity.  The 
Gail  Borden  Library  (the  town  library)  came  offering  to  every  resi- 
dent of  the  town  a  liberal  education,  practically  free. 

In  1881  Alexander  G.  Wilson,  D.  D.,  laid  his  hand  on  the  helm  of 
the  Academy  ship  with  a  firm  grasp ;  all  sails  were  set  and  there 
was  every  Indication  of  good  weather.  The  Doctor  had  a  bright 
and  Interesting  family  that  have  grown  up  and  are  fulfilling  their 
promise  of  good  work  In  the  world.  •  Able,  educated  and  experi- 
enced, Dr.  Wilson  seemed  Intended  for  the  head  of  an  Institution  of 
learning.  The  spirit  of  earnest  purpose  was  never  better  among 
the  students  than  at  this  time.  He  loved  them,  as  he  loved  every 
human  being,  and  they  respected  him.  Good  work  was  done  In 
the  school,  but,  perhaps,  the  strongest  Impression  of  Dr.  Wilson's 
teaching  was  from  his  life  and  example.  He  knew  how  to  be  forci- 
ble without  violence  and  to  condemn  without  anger,  though  he 
made  himself  understood.  He  was  invariably  serene,  dignified  and 
gracious.  The  excellent  courses  of  study  of  the  preceding  In- 
structors were  not  all  demanded ;  numbers  had  fallen  off ;  some 
from  the  change  of  teachers,  some  from  Illness  and  some  from 
other  causes.  For  the  first  time  a  real  primary  department  was  In- 
augurated and  for  several  years  was  continued. 

Dr.  Wilson's  rule  was  of  only  two  years  duration.  It  was  not 
marked  by  enthusiasm,  but  by  steady  work  and  excellent  feeling 


RESET  BY  THE  CLASS  OF  1900 

"A  sundial  manufactured  In  London,  England,  pre- 
sented to  me  by  Mr.  William  Frazer,  set  up  In  the  front 
campus,  I  hereby  transfer  to  you  as  the  Trustees  of  the 
Academy." 

From  the  report  of  Alexander  G.  Wilson,  Principal,  to 
the  Trustees  of  the  Academy,  dated  August  10,  1883. 


A  iJjtHtnry  nf  Elgin  Aratomg  [49 

among  teachers  and  pupils.  He  was  called  to  Lake  Forest  Acad- 
emy and  another  reigned  In  his  stead. 

In  1883  Professor  J.  Adolph  Schmltz,  A.  M.,  German  by  birth, 
American  by  residence  and  education,  stepped  into  the  vacancy 
made  by  Dr.  Wilson's  departure. 

The  new  professor  was  committed  from  the  first  to  the  Idea  of 
an  endowment  for  the  Academy.  His  Ideal  of  the  Institution  was 
fine,  and  It  was  true  that  It  was  difficult  to  meet  all  demands  for 
Improvements  with  the  Income  from  tuitions.  And  the  Trustees, 
nothing  loath,  were  glad  to  have  any  plan  tried  that  would  accom- 
plish the  desired  ends.  Some  personal  efforts  were  made  and  small 
sums  realized,  but  nothing  commensurate  with  the  desired  $50,000. 

Two  excellent  friends  of  the  Institution  and  members  of  the 
Board  of  Trustees  passed  away  In  the  year  '83,  Mr.  B.  W.  Raymond 
and  Mr.  Wm.  G.  Hubbard,  members  hard  to  replace. 

The  study  of  German  received  an  Impetus  from  the  principal, 
and  the  classics  did  not  languish.  Great  Interest  was  taken  In  the 
literary  societies  of  the  school  under  Prof.  Schmltz.  One  of  these, 
called  the  Ready  Wits,  from  a  combination  of  the  first  word  and  the 
Initials  of  the  second,  was  composed  of  the  young  gentlemen  of 
the  school,  some  of  whom  were  clever  debaters  and  ready  speak- 
ers and  brought  zeal  and  ability  to  their  oratory.  Some  notoriety 
was  obtained  from  a  trial  that  was  held  of  one  of  the  prominent 
students  by  certain  members  of  the  society  assigned  for  that  pur- 
pose; and  the  court  was  highly  Interesting  to  the  audience  of  the 
school  and  many  visitors.  So  much  In  earnest  were  some  of  the 
boys  regarding  parliamentary  rules  that  after  the  last  session  of  the 
day  they  remained  wtlh  one  of  the  teachers  for  drill  In  the  same 
and  not  unf requently,  for  some  weeks,  the  six  o'clock  whistle  of  the 
factory  was  the  first  reminder  of  the  time  to  go  home.  The  young 
ladles  excelled  In  recital  and  In  composition,  and  were  eagerly 
listened  to  upon  their  days  of  open  meeting.  The  Davldsonlans 
are  well  remembered. 

The  Academicians  were  not  adverse  to  fun  and  even  to  mis- 
chief, occasionally.  Practical  jokes  were  not  unknown,  such  as 
caused  the  grave  Instructors  to  smile  audibly  when  beyond  the 
observation  of  the  culprit. 


50]  A  Ijtfifcirg  of  Elgin  Arafrmg 

The  Academician,  a  paper  edited  and  controlled  by  students, 
appeared  regularly  during  Prof.  Schmltz'  administration  and  will 
compare  favorably  with  some  of  the  later  school  organs. 

Mrs.  Schmltz  was  a  beautiful  teacher  of  children  and  left  a  pleas- 
Ing  Impression  of  her  work  with  the  younger  people.  Having  three 
bright  little  girls  of  her  own  she  appreciated  the  needs  of  a  pri- 
mary class. 

Notwithstanding  all  this,  September,  1 886,  beheld  a  real  Yankee 
Professor  from  the  land  of  steady  habits  and  from  the  old  historic 
town  of  Groton,  In  Massachusetts.  Professor  Nathan  Thompson 
and  his  charming  wife  and  two  daughters  entered  upon  their  life 
at  the  Academy.  They  came  with  new  and  fresh  hopes  and  plans 
to  be  put  Into  execution  as  soon  as  possible. 

In  the  year  '87  the  subject  of  Manual  Training  came  to  be  dis- 
cussed by  educators  as  necessary  to  a  practical  education,  such 
as  the  majority  of  students  In  the  schools  were  seeking.  The  trus- 
tees and  teachers  of  the  Academy  were  greatly  Interested  and  be- 
gan to  consider  the  expediency  of  Introducing  It  In  the  school. 
The  old  charter  was  consulted  In  reference  to  Its  provision  for  such 
training  and  much  interest  developed  outside. 

To  Madame  Lucy  Lovell  manual  training  was  not  a  new  subject 
and  she  proposed  to  give  to  the  Trustees  of  the  Academy  $5,000 
with  which  to  erect  a  suitable  building  for  such  work.  The  offer 
was  speedily  accepted,  the  building  planned  and  in  a  few  months 
completed  to  the  satisfaction  of  all  concerned.  The  new  structure 
rose  just  northwest  of  the  main  building  on  the  hill,  standing  like  a 
friend,  modestly  apart,  but  near  enough  for  service  at  all  times. 

The  large  compartment,  occupying  nearly  all  of  the  second 
floor,  was  furnished  by  Mrs.  M.  E.  C.  Lord  with  everything  that 
thirty-two  students  required  for  a  course  of  two  years  in  mechan- 
ical drawing  and  construction  work  In  wood.  A  teacher  was  em- 
ployed and  the  department  opened  In  1 889. 

Before  this  day,  however,  the  President  of  the  board  had  gone. 
His  long  and  faithful  service  was  ended.  Who  would  bestow  the 
watchful  care,  the  wise  protection  of  his  more  than  thirty  years 
of  service?  There  were  other  things  of  Importance  during  Prof. 
Thompson's  PrinclpalshSp:  The  corporate  seal  of  the  institution, 


J.  ADOLPH  5CHMITZ,  A.  M. 
Principal,  1883-1886 


NATHAN  THOMPSON 
Principal,  1886-1890 


A  Iftatarg  of  thiitt  Aratomg  [51 

now  In  use,  was  adopted,  '88,  taking  the  place  of  the  one  made 
and  adopted  In  1855,  and  two  lady  Trustees  were  Introduced  In 
1888. 

An  Institution  Is  like  a  growing  child,  always  in  need  of  ampler 
garments  and  constantly  requiring  changes  for  expansion  and  im- 
provement. One  of  the  changes  for  which  there  was  a  crying 
need  was  a  heating  plant.  After  much  delay,  steam  was  Introduced 
into  the  building.  And  where  tardy  comers,  cloaks  and  overcoats 
and  Indifferent  lessons  had  been  In  evidence  on  bitter  winter 
mornings,  there  were  prompt,  diligent  pupils  and  no  irritation, 
of  the  Master  in  charge.  Any,  or  all  of  these  young  folks  might 
have  been  pardoned  for  adapting  Shakespeare  to  suit  the  occasion : 

"Now  Is  the  winter  of  our  discontent, 

Made  joyous  summer  by  this" — [genial  warmth.] 

The  popular  Elgin  Woman's  Club  was  a  generous  donor  to  the 
heating  plant  and  gave  $2,200,  the  money  result  of  a  kermess, 
for  which  twenty -five  shares  of  stock  were  Issued  to  the  club. 
The  old  cedar  shingles,  made  by  hand  twenty -five  years  before, 
gave  place  altogether  to  more  modern  ones  in  a  new  roof  for  the 
main  building,  '89.  Prof.  Thompson  resigned,  1 890,  after  four  years 
of  arduous  and  loyal  labor,  to  enter  as  Instructor  in  a  new  field. 

Prof.  A.  M.  Mattoon,  A.  B.,  and  his  wife  took  up  their  residence 
In  the  old  east  wing  at  the  beginning  of  the  school  year  in  Septem- 
ber. In  point  of  numbers  the  school  was  small,  but  It  held  evenly 
to  its  work  under  the  new  principal,  whose  talent  and  training,  hab- 
its of  order  and  of  study,  promptness  and  accuracy  made  a  teacher 
bound  to  accomplish  good  work.  His  stay  In  the  Academy,  how- 
ever, was  too  brief  for  such  results  as  he  has  obtained  in  his  later 
work  In  a  Western  college. 

In  all  these  years,  let  it  never  be  forgotten,  the  spirit  and 
purpose  of  good  work  in  the  education  of  the  students  never  fal- 
tered. Whatever  the  situation,  however  threatening  the  weather 
outside,  the  Trustees  of  the  institution  kept  in  view,  like  faithful 
watchmen,  the  essentials  of  a  high-class  school  and  strove  to  pro- 
vide for  it.  But  another  crisis  was  approaching.  Debts  had  again 
accrued.  The  interest  of  friends  had  waned.  Appeals  for  assistance 


UNIVERSfTY  OF 

ILLINOIS  LIBRARY 
AT 


52]  A  ^tHtorg  of  ?Elgtn 


met  with  but  feeble  response  and  the  hand  and  will  of  the  good 
Doctor  were  no  longer  available.  Idle  speculations  were  rife  that 
the  old  school  on  the  hill  had  closed  Its  doors  for  good,  that  It  was 
only  waiting  to  be  turned  over,  now  to  this  purpose,  now  to  that 
object,  and  now  to  end  In  humiliation  and  decay  where  it  stood.  The 
Academy  ship  was  accounted  by  outside  sentiment  a  derelict,  if 
nothing  worse.  Not  so,  however,  counseled  the  good  men  and  true 
of  the  Board  of  Trustees.  Though  depressed,  they  were  not  ready  to 
give  up  the  Academy  ship.  The  vital  spirit  of  many  years  of  effort 
for  Its  best  good  was  still  inherent.  Like  a  thread  of  gold  in  a  sombre 
web,  was  the  thought  that  somewhere  there  was  a  man,  strong, 
able,  willing,  who  would  take  command  of  and  guide  the  craft  into 
smooth  waters  and  keep  it  in  the  channel.  But  to  find  him  was 
the  question. 

From  the  college  In  the  Forest  by  the  Lake  there  had  gone  forth, 
not  long  before,  a  strong  soul  in  a  sturdy  body,  equipped  like  a 
knight  for  service  to  his  kind  along  the  roads  of  learning.  For  a 
year  his  service  had  brought  him  nothing  worthy  of  his  steel. 

In  the  summer  of  '91,  Alfred  Welch,  A.  M,  came  to  visit  his  col- 
lege classmate  (K.  B.),  who,  knowing  the  situation,  brought  him  and 
the  Trustees  together  in  conference  —  indeed,  to  more  than  one,  to 
many  meetings.  From  them  he  learned  the  uttermost  there  was 
to  tell.  From  him  they  learned  enough  to  trust  him  and  to  offer 
him  the  post  of  duty  —  at  the  head  of  Elgin  Academy.  Like  the 
brave  of  all  time,  he  accepted  and  began  his  work  without  an  hour's 
delay  thereafter.  The  remainder  of  the  summer  was  spent  In  plans 
and  preparation.  The  Trustees  entering  into  the  work  of  repairing 
and  furnishing  and  providing  liberally  for  the  new  regime.  Supply 
had  agatn  met  the  demand. 

When  the  old  bell  rang  out  its  morning  call  to  Academicians 
September  6,  '91,  the  Academy  President  and  the  new  Principal 
and  the  faculty  were  already  In  the  dear  old  west  room  to  greet  the 
half  -curious  throng  that  soon  filled  it  and  that  kept  It  full  for  half 
a  dozen  years.  Everything  seemed  to  have  wakened  to  new  life  ; 
the  halls  rang  with  healthy  noise  and  youthful  acclamations  and 
new  Ideas  and  suggestions  quite  took  the  breath  away  from  old  re- 
strictions long  outgrown.  But  with  the  new  freedom,  thanks  to  the 


A.  M.  MATTOON,  A.  M. 
Principal,  1890-1891 


THE  FACE  OF  THE  OLD  SUNDIAL 


LOVE.LL  SCIENCE   HALL 


af  Elgin  Aratomjj  [55 


new  Principal,  there  came  —  not  more  license,  but  —  more  zeal  for 
better  plans  and  more  and  better  work.  And  steady,  hard,  well 
organized  work  there  was  for  teachers  and  students,  and  plenty  of 
It.  Professor  Welch  was  himself  a  tireless  worker.  He  believed  in 
work  as  he  did  in  Heaven,  and  never  was  he  so  fine,  or  executive, 
or  so  impressive  or  even  so  helpful  as  when  difficulties  were  thick- 
est and  resistance  necessary.  Trial  brought  out  the  abundance  of 
his  resources  and  finally  the  desired  results  in  which  the  pure  gold 
of  his  motives  and  the  generous  Instincts  of  his  nature  were  of 
more  value  to  those  about  him  than  many  sermons  would  have 
been.  There  had  been  excellent  instruction  given  by  most  of  the 
scholarly  predecessors  of  Prof.  Welch,  and  he  was  able  to  do  more 
work  along  many  lines  on  this  account.  Education  was  taking  ad- 
vanced strides;  each  year  education  became  more  exacting  as 
regards  schools  and  teachers.  Prof.  Welch  desired  to  bring  the 
Academy  more  directly  in  touch  with  colleges  than  it  had  been 
and  made  great  effort  to  effect  an  affiliation  with  the  Chicago  Uni- 
versity. In  this  he  was  disappointed,  though  he  prepared  the  way 
for  it  to  be  realized  later. 

A  business  college  and  a  night  school  were  established  in  the 
third  story  of  the  building  and  both  succeeded. 

Natural  science  was  made  Interesting  work.  English  was  never 
more  carefully,  nor  more  generally,  pursued.  The  Academy 
printing  press  came  near  becoming  one  of  the  faculty  ;  the  College 
Sittings  arose  and  athletics  developed  into  something  like  science. 
The  campus  was  an  outdoor  school  for  tennis,  baseball  and  football. 
Besides  this,  college  songs  became  an  attractive  feature  under  the 
leadership  and  stimulus  of  Mr.  George  Bergen,  one  of  the  faculty  ; 
and  while  a  good  number  of  original  rhymes  were  set  to  rollicking 
tunes,  but  one  or  two  specific  Academy  songs  have  remained. 
All  these  sport-like  associations  made  reunions  and  class  gather- 
ings very  popular.  The  Academy  spirit  grew,  but  the  manual  train- 
ing languished  and  was  finally  retired  from  the  list  of  studies  as 
Impracticable  for  the  Academy.  But  like  other  good  things  for 
which  the  Institution  has  waited,  and  which  have  come,  manual 
training  may  yet  arise  like  a  beacon  on  the  hill  and  its  light  shine 
in  the  Valley  of  the  Fox. 


56]  A  ?§jt0inrg  of  lElgirt  Aratomg 

Scholarships  were  first  offered  to  students  under  Prof.  Welch 
and  also  the  Laura  Davidson  Sears  medal  for  proficiency  In  mathe- 
matics. In  June,  1 897,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lord  rubbed  out  the  Academy 
debt  with  $7,800.  This  kindness  caused  great  satisfaction  among 
all  friends  of  the  Institution.  The  boys  found  It  a  happy  occasion 
for  a  demonstration  and  marched  through  the  streets  at  night,  sing- 
ing and  shouting,  and  ending  their  display  with  their  favorite  song: 

"  On  the  banks  of  the  old  River  Fox,  my  boys, 
The  Academy  ever  more  shall  stand, 
For  has  she  not  stood  since  the  time  of  the  flood? 
And  we  hall  her  the  best  In  the  land." 

The  chorus  was  followed  by  their  "Slogan,"  the  Academy  yell. 

Prof.  Welch  resigned  In  1 897  to  take  a  position  In  Lake  Forest. 
He  left  the  Academy  In  a  flourishing  condition,  and  he  was  univer- 
sally regretted.  He  was  succeeded  by  Prof.  George  P.  Bacon,  A.  M., 
of  Belolt,  whose  steady,  quiet  course  was  In  marked  contrast  to  that 
of  the  man  before  him ;  but  It  was  needed  to  tide  over  a  critical 
period  in  the  history  of  the  school.  Professor  Bacon  remained  but 
one  year,  but  long  enough  to  leave  the  highest  standard  of  up- 
right living  and  teaching  as  an  example  to  be  followed. 

The  present  principal,  Professor  George  Newton  Sleight,  came  to 
the  Academy  In  1898,  and  has  been  the  director  through  many 
changes.  He  has  identified  himself  with  Its  greatest  interests  and 
has  effected  important  movements.  The  affiliation  with  the  Chi- 
cago University  was  the  first  one,  which  was  a  great  step  in 
advance.  It  commenced  in  1899  and  inspired  great  hopes.  Those 
hopes  were  realized  In  larger  facilities  and  In  changed  conditions. 
A  laboratory  for  physics  and  one  for  chemistry  were  fitted  up  at 
considerable  expense.  Two  teachers  were  added  to  the  force  and 
each  teacher  in  the  school  was  restricted  to  his  specific  subject. 
Physics  no  longer  borrowed  from  mathemathlcs,  nor  history  from 
English.  The  University  passed  upon  the  choice  of  Instructors, 
and  upon  the  standing  of  students,  from  examinations  submitted 
to  it.  Academy  students  were  admitted  directly  to  the  University 
of  Chicago  courses  of  study.  The  announcement  of  the  affiliation 
was  considered  mutually  beneficial  as  an  advertisement.  The 


GEORGE  P.  BACON,  A.  M. 
Principal,  1897-1898 


A  iftainrg  of  Elgin  Aratomg  [57 

Academy  was  still  sustained  by  the  tuitions  and  the  trustees.  The 
benefactions  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lord  had  been  continuous  for  many 
years.  Mr.  A.  B.  Church  was  a  liberal  donor,  and  there  were  others. 

But  there  were  signs  of  a  change  in  the  weather.  There  was  a 
sentiment,  even  before  it  was  spoken,  that  the  Academy  might  rest 
upon  a  larger  body  and  not  upon  a  small  number  of  individuals, 
like  the  trustees.  It  had  been  intimated  for  some  time  that  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Lord  were  interested  In  so  many  plans  of  benevolence 
that  It  would  be  impossible  for  them,  alone,  to  support  the  Acad- 
emy. Mr.  Church  was  no  longer  a  trustee;  others  were  silent.  Dr. 
Harper  felt  It  would  be  unwise  to  undertake  the  responsibility 
without  a  large  endowment. 

1 90 1  -'02  were  not  encouraging  years  to  Professor  Sleight  at  the 
Academy.  The  serial  subscriptions  stopped  and  there  were  no 
overtures  In  sight;  and  yet  this  master  of  the  ship  knew  that  ever 
since  the  affiliation  with  Chicago  University,  It  had  moved  at  a 
steadier,  better  rate  of  speed  than  ever  before.  The  tuitions  had 
steadily  increased  along  with  numbers.  And  being  on  the  lookout, 
he  descried  a  stately  vessel,  not  far  away.  But  he  pondered  over 
all  these  things,  In  his  own  mind. 

"  On  the  banks  of  the  old  River  Fox,  my  boys, 
The  Academy  ever  more  shall  stand," 

sang  the  students  unwittingly, — was  It  the  little  finger  of  destiny  or 
was  It  the  survival  of  the  old  thought  of  good  ? — Who  knows  ? 

As  early  as  1 878  the  Idea  of  a  $50,000  endowment  for  the  Acad- 
emy was  promulgated,  with  little  result ;  again  in  1 887,  with  a  like 
experience.  Citizens  who  were  patrons  were  often  generous,  but 
something  more  definite  was  needed.  Two  Trustees  passed  away, 
leaving  conditioned  sums  from  their  estates — but  these  gifts  were 
never  realized.  Specious  promises  had  raised  expectations  that 
were  not  fulfilled.  Of  the  stockholders  some  were  dead;  some 
were  no  longer  residents,  and  still  others  were  indifferent  except 
as  to  the  final  disposition  to  be  made  of  Academy  property,  upon 
which  their  Ideas  were  clear  and  unmistakable. 

A  meeting  of  the  Trustees  was  in  progress  late  in  the  spring  of 
1 902.  During  a  slight  pause  In  the  rather  sombre  discussion  of  the 


58]  A  IftHtartJ  of  Elgin 


next  move  relating  to  Academy  interests,  a  messenger  was  an- 
nounced and  admitted,  a  student,  who  advanced  and  said  :  "  Some 
of  the  boys  and  girls  of  the  school  wish  to  help  a  little  toward 
keeping  it  going."  And  he  withdrew,  leaving  a  small  canvas  bag 
on  the  table.  When  opened  the  receptacle  disclosed  various  sums 
of  money  to  the  amount  of  one  hundred  dollars. 

The  close  of  the  school  year,  1903,  was  near  at  hand  before 
Professor  Sleight  beheld,  alongside,  the  gallant  Northwestern 
University  he  had  signaled. 

After  due  conference  and  consideration  an  agreement  was  ar- 
ranged between  the  Trustees  and  the  University  by  which  the 
Academy  should  be  maintained  as  an  institution  of  secondary  and 
higher  instruction.  For  this  purpose  $5,000  per  year  for  five  years, 
beyond  tuitions,  were  pledged  to  the  University,  for  the  use  of 
Elgin  Academy,  beside  the  assurance  of  a  bequest  to  the  Academy 
of  $40,000  (since  paid)  from  President  and  Mrs.  Lord.  For  this  sum 
certificates  of  Academy  stock  were  issued  to  President  and  Mrs. 
Lord,  who  in  July,  1  903,  turned  the  shares  over  to  the  University. 
The  Woman's  Club  and  several  other  stockholders  donated  their 
stock  directly  to  the  University,  which  has  thus  secured  a  controll- 
ing interest  In  the  management  of  the  institution,  although  it  does 
not  bind  itself  to  use  any  of  the  funds  of  the  University  for  the 
support  of  Elgin  Academy. 

In  this  manner  was  effected  the  affiliation  of  1  903. 

The  amended  charter  of  1  885  remains  in  force,  the  institution  Is 
still  unsectarlan  and  undenominational,  though  "pervaded  by 
Christian  ideals." 

The  close  of  fifty  years  shows  the  value  of  a  great  thought  and 
its  influence  in  this  fair  valley  of  the  West. 


A.  B.  CHURCH 

Trustee,  1889-1902 

Treasurer,  1892-1902 


AMOS  G.  SEARS,  A.  M. 
Principal,  1870-1881 


MRS.  A.  G.  SEARS 

Preceptress,    1870-1881 

Trustee,  1888-1889 


CHAPTER  FIVE 


1.  e-ijr  If  mtr  E^urliH 

XN  OBSERVING  the  progress  of  events  and  of  results  ob- 
tained under  the  sixteen  principals  of  Elgin  Academy, 
some  periods  stand  out  In  marked  distinctness  when 
compared  with  others.  This  Is  Inevitable,  but  need  not  detract 
from  the  estimate  of  good  work  done  nor  from  the  fidelity  of  any 
principal  or  teacher. 

The  principals  of  the  Academy  were  selected  with  care,  endorsed 
by  authority  as  trained  and  capable,  and  nearly  every  one  of  them 
college-bred  men.  Some  of  the  number  have  ruled  briefly,  but  In 
each  period  something  of  value  has  been  added  to  the  whole  and 
all  have  furnished  material  for  history  ;  even  mistakes  and  errors 
have  shed  light  on  obscure  parts. 

The  First,  the  Eleventh,  the  Fourteenth  and  the  Sixteenth  admin- 
istrations mark  four  Important  periods  In  Academy  history. 

The  students  of  the  opening  year  were  children  of  the  early 
residents  of  Elgin.  The  sexes  were  admitted  to  the  new  school 
with  all  Its  advantages  and  privileges  upon  equal  terms.  There 
were  but  two  requirements  made  of  the  Principal  :  "  To  maintain 
an  Institution  of  moral  character  and  an  high  order  of  learning," 
but  these  covered  the  ground  and  he  was  under  contract  to  per- 
form them. 

New  enterprises  are  not  always  fortunate  at  the  start.  But, 
viewed  by  the  merciless  searchlight  of  to-day,  one  may  look  back 
and  say  there  was  no  mistake  made  In  the  founding,  nor  In  the 
opening,  nor  In  the  establishing,  of  Elgin  Academy. 

Professor  Blenkiron  was  Principal  for  the  first  two  years  and  In 
that  time  he  accomplished  what  few  men  could  have  done  more 
successfully.  He  not  only  marked  out,  but  he  established  a  stand- 
ard for  higher  education  in  the  midst  of  primitive  conditions  and 


60]  A  Sjtatarg  nf  Elgin 


with  new  and  untried  forces.  He  opened  more  than  one  path  to 
attainments  and  he  set  the  pace  of  early  steps  along  the  chosen 
way. 

As  a  man,  he  stood  for  the  broadest  training  —  1.  e.  for  all  educa- 
tion. And  he  planted  a  love  for  learning  Itself  that  will  never  be 
lost,  while  Its  temple  stands  upon  the  hill  where  its  rise  and  de- 
velopment have  been  so  carefully  watched  and  tended. 

As  a  teacher,  he  applied  the  test  of  rule,  but  reserved  judgment. 
The  success  of  this  first  principal  was  due  to  the  man,  rather  than 
to  the  methods  acquired  of  schools;  although  these  were  not  lack- 
ing in  his  training  and  they  may  have  accented  his  own  ways  of 
treatment.  Notwithstanding  his  winning  personality,  he  was  capable 
of  a  caustic  criticism  and  a  power  of  rebuke,  which,  though  seldom 
used,  gave  weight  and  strength  to  his  character  and  proved  him 
to  be  a  master. 

An  unusual  feature  of  Professor  Blenkiron's  instruction  was,  that 
he  taught  without  seeming  to  teach,  dispensing  wisdom  as  natur- 
ally, as  the  full  cloud  bestows  its  gentle,  penetrating  moisture  upon 
the  earth. 

Day  by  day  the  teacher  and  his  little  band  trod  the  humble 
paths  near  the  foot  of  the  Mount  of  Learning  and  each  day  he  bore 
the  standard  of  education  to  a  point  somewhat  higher  than  before. 
One  day,  advancing  beyond  his  flock  the  master  paused  and 
looked  about  him  ;  then  springing  upward,  he  planted  the  standard 
far  up  the  mountain.  And  there  it  remains  to  this  day  —  a  standard 
still. 

Judged  by  the  records  of  fifty  years  and  by  the  testimony  of 
survivors  the  two  years  of  the  beloved  teacher's  rule  shine  out 
like  beacon  lights  revealing,  even  though  dimly,  the  plans  that 
were  laid  and  the  aspirations  that  were  indulged  regarding  a  future 
ever  smiling,  always  fair. 

The  advent  of  the  school  and  of  its  cultured  old-world  instructor 
made  a  little  ripple  of  satisfaction  in  those  circles  most  interested 
and  reached  many  a  mind  of  apathy  and  quickened  it  with  new 
longings.  Slowly  but  effectually  the  current  of  common  thought 
deepened  and  later  there  was  scarcely  a  boy  or  girl  in  the  town 
that  did  not  have  a  chance,  in  the  Academy. 


ALFRED  GARDNER  WELCH,  A.  M. 
Principal,  1891-1897 


A  IfiHfcmj  of  lElgttt  Aratomg  [61 

"  The  teachers  that  be  wise  shall  shine  as  the  brightness  of  the 
firmament." 

The  school  year  1870  opened  with  Professor  and  Mrs.  Sears  as 
Principals  of  the  Academy. 

There  Is  scarcely  a  student  of  that  time,  living,  whose  eyes  will 
not  brighten  at  the  sound  of  the  names  of  these  Instructors.  There 
Is  also  abundant  testimony  at  hand  of  the  value  of  their  Instruction, 
which  dealt  largely  wlttj  principles  and  was  addressed  to  the  rea- 
soning powers  of  the  student.  There  was  a  business-like  energy 
so  apparent  In  the  school  that  every  member  was  spurred  to  do 
practical  work.  Beside  this,  the  place  was  full  of  an  Influence  to- 
ward higher  things;  In  the  main,  to  the  deeper  thought,  the  better 
way,  to  more  diligence  and  to  greater  excellence.  Interest  was 
never  wanting  for  that  which  made  life  stronger  and  worthier.  The 
whole  line  swarmed  with  an  earnest  activity  that  was  felt  beyond 
the  doors  of  the  Academy. 

This  period  Is  not  remembered  by  the  old  students  and  friends 
for  Its  material  success,  but  for  Its  moral  and  mental  vigor.  It  was 
the  spirit,  not  the  events,  of  the  Sears'  period  that  effected  change 
and  promoted  growth. 

Mrs.  Sears  was  a  remarkable  teacher.  "Wisdom  might  be  found 
of  her,"  for  she  exerted  great  Influence  over  individual  members 
and  eventually  over  the  entire  school,  she  was  awake  to  the 
Importance  of  a  healthy  physical,  as  well  as  mental  and  moral 
development,  she  Introduced  and  superintended  physical  training  for 
the  young  ladies  and  gave  frequent  suggestions  and  advice  upon 
the  care  of  health,  and  was  ever  ready  to  give  needed  help  to  those 
under  her  charge  whatever  the  want.  The  conduct  of  life  was  a 
theme  for  the  utterance  of  great  truths  and  the  experience  day  by 
day  afforded  opportunity  for  their  practical  application. 

Mrs.  Sears  had  a  gift  for  Imparting  Instruction  and  what  Is  no 
less  desirable,  of  being  understood,  her  explanations  where  as  clear 
as  her  enunciations.  Never  was  "a  dull  schollard"  more  fortunate 
than  when  his  lot  fell  to  Mrs.  Sears  to  be  tutored. 

An  unusual  value  to  be  found  in  her  work  lay  in  the  noble 
enthusiasm  which  attended  all  her  Instruction  and  which  became 
a  quickening  power  to  the  student  mind.  Sometimes  her  presence 


62]  A  fljtatnrg  of  tight  Aratemg 

alone  had  an  uplifting  Influence  that  could  always  be  understood 
to  mean  onward  and  upward. 

To-day  strong  men  may  tell  you  what  a  debt  of  love  and 
gratitude  they  owe  her;  and  matrons,  with  silver  threads  In  their 
hair,  will  tell  how  much  they  all  loved  her  and  of  the  good  old 
times  In  the  old  school  when  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Sears  were  there. 

Professor  Welch,  the  fourteenth  principal  of  the  Institution, 
stood  In  a  breach;  he  came  to  repair  the  walls,  like  one  of  the 
captive  Hebrews  of  ancient  times.  It  was  his  mission  In  life  to  build 
up  and  strengthen  weak  places;  to  hew,  to  crowd,  to  compel.  He 
would  have  found  a  way  to  make  bricks  without  straw,  had  he 
been  one  of  the  oppressed  ones  under  Pharaoh. 

He  had  a  child's  Implicit  trust  In  God  and  a  strong  man's  belief 
In  Work.  There  was  his  practical  creed.  He  taught  the  Christian 
virtues  by  work ;  he  lived,  achieved  and  still  Is  known  by  work. 

The  methods  of  Professor  Welch  partook  of  his  nature;  he 
grasped  a  subject  as  though  It  were  a  piece  of  land,  of  which  every 
Inch  was  needed  for  planting ;  forcible,  tireless  and  exacting  as  he 
was  of  himself,  he  required  no  less  of  those  whom  he  Instructed. 
Their  utmost,  concentrated  effort  was  Indispensable  to  their 
success  which  he  told  them  was  his  own.  And  yet  he  knew  how 
— none  more  so — to  be  patient  and  considerate  to  one  halting  from 
discouragement,  or  backward  for  good  reason.  He  could  give 
himself  to  an  Individual  as  to  a  cause  without  reservation  and  no 
man  was  more  generous  by  nature  or  by  practice. 

A  quick  wit,  unexpected  and  apt  Illustrations  and  sudden 
decisions  denoted  a  mind  full  of  resources  for  any  service  or 
occasion.  Outside  the  Academy,  Professor  Welch  was  known  and 
respected  and  In  certain  circles  he  was  popular.  But  It  was  his 
own  students,  "they  of  his  own  household,"  that  loved  him.  The 
magnetism  of  his  companionship  held  them  together  with  an  ever 
Increasing  power.  The  "esprit  de  corps"  which  was  developed  had 
something  deeper  in  it  than  the  ordinary  comradeship  of  school 
or  college. 

Mrs.  Welch  was  never  identified  with  Academy  work  but  her 
influence  In  It  was  pervading  and  salutory.  She  was  the  comple- 
ment of  her  husband.  He,  trenchant,  positive  and  sometimes 


GEORGE  NEWTON  SLEIGHT,  A.  B.,  B.  Pd. 
Principal,  1898- 

and 
Dean,  1899- 


A  ^iBtorg  of  Elgin  JVnttemg  [63 

hasty;  she,  his  equal  In  mind  and  training,  was  calm,  patient,  Just. 
And  It  was  the  effect  of  her  serenity  and  of  her  reasonable  ideas 
that  softened  his  brusqueness  while  it  did  not  weaken  his 
authority.  Mrs.  Welch  was  a  great  addition  to  the  Academy  and  to 
its  circle  of  friends,  she  was  an  attractive  and  delightful  lady. 

The  value  of  what  Professor  and  Mrs.  Welch  accomplished  for 
the  old  school,  with  head,  heart,  hands,  can  never  be  computed 
here;  but  it  was  nobly  done. 

It  was  no  fault  of  his,  but  rather  of  unfortuitous  circumstances, 
that  when  this  remarkably  executive  principal  stepped  out,  the 
institution  appeared  to  totter  as  though  to  fall.  Schools  and 
government  require  something  more  permanent  to  rest  upon,  than 
the  power  of  one  man. 

Long,  long  will  hosts  of  loving  students  and  friends  pay  the 
tribute  of  grateful  remembrance  to  this  great  Instructor  and  praise 
him  who  needs  no  praise,  for  his  monument  is  his  Work  and  that  is 

eternal. 

*  *  * 

Professor  Sleight  belongs  to  the  epoch  makers.  He  has  spent  a 
longer  period  at  the  head  of  the  Academy  than  any  other  principal 
except  Professor  Sears,  and  he  has  found  problems  to  solve.  He 
came  with  ardor  as  others  came  before  him,  resolved  to  know 
nothing  but  the  Academy  and  its  interests  and  that  resolution  is 
still  in  force. 

It  has  been  the  province  of  Professor  Sleight  to  guide,  to  guard 
and  to  watch,  to  develop  ideas  for  improvement  or  to  reject  plans 
unsuited  to  existing  conditions.  With  unwearied  effort  has  he 
sought  to  secure  every  needed  aid  for  the  higher  education  which 
is  pursued  under  his  direction;  and  to  enlarge  and  emphasize 
every  opportunity  by  which  the  institution  may  become,  the 
Greater  Academy. 

The  four  epoch  making  periods  of  the  school  may  be  re- 
capitulated thus: 

I.  The  establishment  of  the  standard  for  Education. 

II.  Growth ;  Physical,  Moral,  and  Mental. 

III.  Work. 

IV.  The  Greater  Academy. 


64]  A  $jtHt0rg  of  lElgtn  Aratomtj 

2.  SfatabU  Aaatalanta 

The  names  of  distinguished  Instructors  already  given,  call  atten- 
tion to  a  few  only,  but  there  were  others.  And  among  assistants, 
Miss  W.  M.  Capron — later  Mrs.  Sylla — was  a  brilliant  example.  She 
was  associated  with  Professor  Blenkiron,  and  if  he  was  the  sun  of 
the  establishment,  she  was  the  admired  lesser  light.  She  had  a 
haunting  smile  and  eyes  remarkable  for  their  beauty. 

This  lady  had  the  reputation  of  being  one  of  the  finest  teachers 
In  the  West  and  there  has  never  been  any  reason  to  dispute  it. 
Her  training  had  been  in  that  famous  seminary  in  Troy,  Mrs.  Emma 
Willard's. 

Miss  Capron  impressed  her  pupils  with  the  idea  that,  "  the  best 
was  none  too  good,"  either  In  department  or  work.  And  as  she 
expected  It,  her  classes  endeavored  to  satisfy  her.  She  was  famous 
for  her  thoroughness,  but  was  a  great  favorite  notwithstanding.  One 
day,  it  Is  related,  she  observed  that  one  of  the  young  fellows  In  the 
class  whispered  to  his  companion.  And  when  the  culprit  turned 
his  head  he  became  aware  of  the  gaze  of  his  teacher  fixed  upon 
him  In  a  manner  that  seemed  to  penetrate  his  marrow.  Conscious 
of  guilt,  in  violating  the  requirement  of  "  no  whispering,"  and  hu- 
miliated by  It  he  appeared,  to  himself,  to  shrink  into  such  small 
dimensions  that  he  might  be  summed  up  in  a  small,  round  cipher ; 
and  the  worst  of  all  to  bear,  he  said,  was  that  everybody  in  the 
room  was  of  the  same  opinion. 

Miss  E.  E.  Kenyon,  still  dearly  remembered  as  an  high-toned, 
cultivated  lady  of  the  Sears'  time,  Introduced  her  crowded  classes 
to  the  world  of  Literature  and  gave  delightful  Instruction  in  other 
branches. 

The  Academy  is  happy  to  claim  as  a  graduate  and  teacher  Miss 
Jennie  Tazewell,  Assistant  Superintendent  of  Elgin  public  schools, 
and  to  congratulate  any  community  that  can  have  the  benefit  of  her 
rare  talent  and  trained  faculties  In  its  schools. 

Laura  Davidson  [Sears]  completed  her  course  of  study  at  the 
Academy  in  1872;  she  became  a  teacher  in  the  school  in  1877, 
taking  up  the  higher  mathematics  for  which  she  was  fitted  by  her 
exceptional  talent  and  excellent  training  at  Vassar  College  and 
under  the  celebrated  astronomer,  Professor  Maria  Mitchell. 


JENNIE  TAZEWELL 

Preparatory  and  Intermediate 

Department 

1874-1880 


ELIZABETH  ESTHER 

KENYON 
Teacher,  1872-1877 


LAURA  R.  DAVIDSON 

Teacher  of  Mathematics,  1877-1884 

and  1885-1887 


MRS.  LOTTA  H.  JAMES 

Shorthand  and  Typewriting 

1898-1906 


ROBERT  A.  CAMPBELL 

Physics,  Chemistry 

and  Botany 

1901  - 


A  flftatorg  at  Elgin  Aratemg  [65 

Miss  Davidson's  work  was  characterized  fay  steady  thorough- 
ness and  much  fine  Instruction  In  other  subjects  beside  mathe- 
matics. She  was  an  Inspiration  to  the  young  ladles  of  the  Institu- 
tion, and  one  of  the  rhetorical  societies  was  named  for  her — The 
Davldsonlans — and  flourished  famously. 

Nearly  two  decades  have  passed  since  she  left  the  school ;  but 
to  the  old  students  of  her  time,  Miss  Davidson  Is  "  still  lovely "  and 
beloved.  She  Is  also  remembered  as  the  daughter  of  Mr.  David- 
son, the  faithful  friend  and  Secretary  of  the  Academy  for  more 
than  forty  years. 

Mrs.  Sears  has  shown  her  Interest  In  the  Institution  by  offer- 
Ing  each  year,  since  '95,  the  L.  D.  S.  medal  for  greatest  proficiency 
In  mathematics,  which  Is  still  her  favorite  subject. 

The  Academy  has  been  fortunate  In  the  long  and  excellent 
service  of  Miss  5.  A.  Pratt,  A.  B.,  a  vigorous  Instructor,  whose  suc- 
cess commends  her  methods. 

Her  position  Is  one  of  trust  and  responsibility,  which  she  has 
held  In  a  manner  which  has  given  assurance  of  her  fitness  for  It. 
Her  loyalty  to  the  Institution  and  her  solicitude  for  Its  permanent 
welfare  make  her  an  appreciated  member  of  the  Academy  faculty, 
while  her  love  for  the  students,  which  Is  amply  reciprocated, 
shows  her  to  be  a  true  and  desirable  friend  for  them. 

In  everything  relating  to  matters  of  Interest  to  the  school  or  to 
any  member  of  It,  the  Academy  has  found  In  Miss  Florence  Ray- 
mond, B.  5.,  an  able  worker,  who  Is  also  a  beloved  friend  and  teacher. 

Miss  Raymond  has  filled  since  '94  the  chair  of  mathematics  to 
entire  satisfaction;  her  Instruction  being  of  a  superior  quality.  It 
Is  as  clear  cut  as  the  face  of  a  cameo  and  marked  by  a  fine  Indi- 
viduality that  belongs  to  all  the  work  of  her  well-ordered  mind. 

Each  of  these  Instructors,  Miss  Pratt  and  Miss  Raymond,  has 
proved  herself  to  be  an  efficient  and  invaluable  assistant. 

Mrs.  Lotta  H.  James,  shorthand  Instructor,  has  found  abundant 
exercise  for  her  executive  abilities  during  the  past  eight  years  In 
the  Academy.  Her  duties  have  been  discharged  with  prompt 
cheerfulness  and  good  results.  She  has  been  especially  helpful 
during  this  "Jubilee"  campaign  In  obtaining  photographs  of  the 
former  principals,  whose  likenesses  illustrate  this  volume. 


66]  A  Bjiafcirtr  at  lElgtn 


Mrs.  James  will  be  followed  by  the  sincere  regret  of  her  many 
friends  when  she  leaves  the  old  school  on  the  hill  for  the  home 
that  claims  her. 

Professor  Robert  Campbell,  B.  Sc.,  Natural  Science,  Is  a  faithful 
Instructor  In  the  laboratories  In  Lovell  Science  Hall.  He  Is  a  quiet 
enthusiast  In  the  study  and  presentation  of  his  subjects.  His  five 
years  of  teaching  In  the  Academy  have  been  occupied  with  studies 
for  the  benefit  of  his  classes. 

Miss  Bessie  M.  Costello,  Instructor  In  shorthand  In  the  Academy 
night  school  since  1  898,  is  an  example  of  unyielding  effort  toward 
a  desired  point.  She  has  achieved  success  because  she  has  been 
true  to  her  ideals.  She  has  developed  qualities  of  such  excellence 
as  to  render  her  work  as  an  assistant  most  praiseworthy. 


THE  ACADEMY  SEAL 


SARAH  A.  PRATT.  A.  B. 

English  and  History,  1894-1899 

English,  1894- 


FLORENCE  S.  RAYMOND,  B.  5. 

Teacher  of  Science  and  Mathematics,  1 894  - 1 899 

Mathematics,  1899- 


BESSIE  M.  COSTELLO 

Shorthand  and  Typewriting 

Nl£ht  School,  1898-1899,  1900- 


CHAPTER    SIX 


ffi 


3f  mntiifr  of  tlmu  1035 
JTrnmter  of  Elgin  Ar  aft  crag  1B39 

kR.  GIFFORD  was  an  all-around  man,  quick  to  see,  prompt  to 
act.  He  had  large  talent  for  construction.  He  was  always 
on  the  look-out  for  eligible  building  sites.  He  handled 
tools  easily  and  naturally.  When  he  started  for  the  west,  his  wagon 
was  filled  with  tools,  which  were  seldom  Idle  in  the  new  settle- 
ment, where  he  found  abundant  exercise  for  his  constructive  facul- 
ties. He  built  one  half  the  dam  over  Fox  River,  had  a  hand  In  the 
first  bridge  and  erected  a  mill.  He  also  laid  out  roads  and  planned 
business  enterprises  and  It  Is  matter  of  history,  how  he  labored 
to  upbuild  religious  and  civil  organizations  in  the  town  he  had 
planted. 

But  there  was  also  another  power,  equally  useful  In  a  new 
country,  that  was  much  in  evidence;  and  that,  was  the  power  of 
adapting  circumstances  to  the  situation.  Here  is  an  instance: 
"  There  were  no  mills  for  grinding  corn  nearer  the  new  settlement 
than  Chicago  or  Jollet.  A  pilgrimage  to  either  place  was  expensive 
In  time  and  patience.  Mr.  Glfford  Improvised  a  mill  for  reducing 
corn  to  the  hominy  stage.  It  was  not  a  new  Idea,  but  It  served. 
He  hollowed  out  a  large  stump  and  above  It  arranged  an  old  fash- 
ioned well-sweep,  to  which  he  attached  a  heavy  stone.  This 
primitive  pounder  could  be  raised  or  lowered  at  will  upon  the 
corn,"  with  reasonably  satisfactory  results. 

Another  Instance  is  related:  Unsatisfied  in  his  attempts  to  break 
the  prairie  sod,  Mr.  Gifford  conceived  the  idea  of  Improving  his 
plow,  a  wooden  affair  quite  inadequate  for  the  heavy  work.  He 
obtained  two  old  steam  boiler  plates  and  with  the  aid  of  a  black- 
smith he  cut  and  adjusted  them  to  his  plow  and  found,  it  answered 
for  the  occasion. 


68]  A  ijtatnry  of  lElgin  Antfomg 

In  1 836  there  was  but  a  half  obliterated  army  trail  from  Chicago 
to  the  Mississippi.  With  great  effort  Mr.  Gifford  was  successful  In 
getting  a  government  survey  of  a  mall  and  stage  route  between 
Chicago  and  Galena  which  was  the  main  highway  of  travel  west- 
ward until  after  1 850. 

An  hotel  became  a  necessity  for  the  travelers  passing  through 
Elgin,  and  Mr.  Glfford  gave  three  lots  upon  which  to  construct  a 
log  tavern;  this  humble  hostelry,  with  frame  attachment,  stood  for 
many  years  upon  the  side  of  the  present  Masonic  Temple  on  Villa 
street. 

In  1837  a  piece  of  ground  was  given  to  every  religious  denom- 
ination that  wished  to  build  a  church  In  Elgin;  and  In  the  same  year 
to  every  machinist  In  the  town  a  lot  was  given,  provided  he  would 
build  a  house  upon  It.  Provision  was  also  made  by  Mr.  Glfford  for 
a  public  square,  or  park,  comprising  about  two  acres,  between  Ful- 
ton and  Du  Page  streets,  and  the  two  handsome  lots  facing  the 
square  were  given  In  1845  to  the  town  for  Its  new  brick  school 
house,  which  was  yet  only  on  paper. 

Mr.  Glfford's  Ideas  of  education  were  broad  enough  to  Include 
the  Indispensable  Public  School  and  something  more.  He  coveted 
for  Elgin  "the  opportunities  for  education."  And  In  order  that 
every  avenue  might  be  open  leading  to  the  best  and  most  com- 
plete preparation  for  life  and  usefulness,  he  obtained  the  charter 
for  an  academy  of  higher  learning. 

During  a  wave  of  Illness,  depression  and  Inactivity  In  Elgin,  1 847, 
Mr.  Gifford  removed  to  Wisconsin.  He  was  nominally  the  founder 
of  a  town  there,  but  did  not  remain  long.  He  returned  In  1 849  and 
soon  after  began  to  build  a  home  for  himself,  among  his  old  friends 
and  neighbors,  in  the  town  that  he  loved  and  where  everybody 
loved  and  respected  him. 

But  before  the  "Stone  Cottage,"  of  cherished  memory,  was  com- 
pleted— "the  hearse  was  at  the  door." 

This  modest,  large-minded  man,  the  founder  of  Elgin,  had  sown 
his  generous  thoughts,  had  planted  his  kind  deeds,  that  others 
might  reap  and  enjoy  abundant  harvest  in  this  valley  of  the  West. 


JOSEPH  TEFFT,  M.  D. 

Trustee,   1843-1888 
President  of  Board,  1854-1888 


CHAPTER  SEVEN 

1B54 


HIS  was  a  body  of  citizens  who  brought  the  different  views 
of  their  callings,  or  professions,  Into  the  organization  and 
represented  the  shades  of  thought  In  the  community.  It 
was  an  able  and  dignified  body  and  is  worthy  a  tribute  of  respect 
and  gratitude  from  all  academicians. 

3nm»pif  Skfft,  f».  S.,  1B12-1B88. 

Dr.  Tefft,  in  1835,  came  to  Elgin  and  was  identified  with  its  In- 
terests more  than  fifty  years.  He  was  the  first  physician  of  the 
town  and  the  first  mayor  of  the  city;  also  considered  one  of  the 
first  citizens  in  position  and  influence.  His  mind  was  as  robust 
as  his  body,  his  natural  gifts  and  education  beyond  the  ordinary. 
He  was  always  a  student  and  interested  In  natural  science,  espe- 
cially in  that  part  of  the  book  of  nature  that  treats  of  stones  and 
rocks.  These  pages  he  read  with  delight  as  long  as  he  lived  and 
would  not  unfrequently  produce  from  his  pocket  a  crystalized 
specimen  or  a  crinold  for  the  admiration  of  a  visitor.  His  habits 
of  tireless  industry  and  perseverance,  his  careful  Judgment  and 
substantial  resources  made  him  a  desirable  associate  in  new  enter- 
prises. For  a  man  of  conservative  views  he  was  a  public  spirited 
citizen.  Of  quaker  origin  he  leaned  toward  that  faith  though  the 
Deity  very  near  to  him  was  the  God  of  nature. 

When  the  decision  of  the  Doctor  was  once  announced,  he  was 
thenceforth  positive  and  unyielding.  He  enforced  the  prohibitory 
law  passed  by  the  Council  in  1854  and  while  he  was  mayor  no 
liquor  was  sold  in  the  city. 

When  the  Doctor  became  mayor,  he  looked  around  to  see  what 
would  be  of  most  advantage  to  the  city  and,  among  other  things,  he 
recalled  Mr.  Glfford's  efforts  toward  an  Elgin  Academy;  for  the 
Doctor  had  been  a  member  of  the  Board  of  1843.  He  dwelt  with 
much  interest  on  the  plans  then  proposed  and  upon  the  situation 


70]  A  i|t0tnrg  of  Elgin  Aratomg 

as  It  was  then  and  upon  what  It  was  now.  A  new  light  dawned 
upon  him;  the  Doctor  had  grown  and  he  realized  it.  The  plans  of 
his  old  friend  appeared  no  longer  impracticable,  he  was  In  full  ac- 
cord with  them.  And  he  therefore  called  the  old  Trustees  to  his 
aid.  The  Trustees  came,  they  saw,  they  consented.  They  reorgan- 
ized and  put  the  Mayor-Doctor  at  the  head  as  President  of  an  enter- 
prising body. 

The  result  Is  known,  the  seed  of  thought  had  at  last  taken  root — 
the  Elgin  Academy  was  an  accomplished  fact. 

Dr.  Tefft's  policy  for  the  Institution  consisted  of  two  Ideas,  viz. 
the  matter  of  Its  existence  pure  and  simple  and  the  holding, 
tenaciously,  to  its  purpose  of  character  and  learning  as  expressed 
In  Its  charter.  From  this  policy  he  never  deviated.  The  Academy 
was  dear  to  him  as  a  child  might  have  been  that  he  had  befriended 
and  protected  and  he  would  not  have  allowed  it  to  perish  without 
his  uttermost  efforts  to  save  It.  As  It  was  he  gave  it  thought,  time 
and  some  money. 

The  school  went  on  with  the  years  and  the  Doctor  with  It.  Hard 
times  might  prevail,  and  decay  threaten  but  the  doors  always 
opened  with  the  school  year  with  new  hope,  the  Doctor  and  a  Fac- 
ulty. The  school  was  too  well  founded  to  die. 

For  thirty  and  three  years  this  faithful  friend  stood  at  his  post  ot 
observation  and  authority,  like  the  captain  of  a  ship  In  all  weather. 

In  a  last  communication  to  the  Trustees  and  his  final  words,  he 
says:  "The  work  goes  nobly  on  of  educating  the  many;  may  It  ever 
continue." 

"This  was  a  kind  man  and  true;"  and  for  his  long,  patient  and 
conservative  service  the  Academy  owes  him  a  debt  of  honor  and 
gratitude. 

Mr.  Orlando  Davidson  gave  his  sanction  and  support  to  what- 
ever appeared  to  be  for  the  advancement,  morally,  Intellectually  or 
materially,  of  Elgin.  There  was  scarcely  a  business  organization  of 
Importance  with  which  he  was  not  associated.  The  school  and  the 
church  were  public  institutions  that  appealed  strongly  to  him  and 
he  early  made  the  interests  of  each  his  own.  If  the  conservative 
course  of  the  President,  Dr.  Tef  f  t,  was  necessary  to  the  existence  of 
the  Academy,  the  fostering  care  of  Secretary  Davidson  was  In- 


ORLANDO 
DAVIDSON 
Trustee  and 
Secretary  of  Board, 
1854-1899 
Treasurer, 
1865-1888 


FRANK  B.  PERKINS 

Trustee,  1890-1903 

Acting  Secretary  of 

Board,  1 897  - 1 902 

Secretary  of  Board, 

1902-1903 


* 


ANDREW  J.  WALDRON 
Trustee,  1855-1866 


E.  DUNBAR  WALDRON 

Trustee,  1 884  - 1 903 
Treasurer,  1888-1891 


[71 


valuable.  It  was  he,  who  effected  transient  loans,  obtained  small 
donations  and  performed  countless  services  for  all  concerned. 
Beneath  a  quite  demeanor,  Mr.  Davidson  had  a  mind  that  could 
often  "  bring  things  to  pass."  He  was  strong  In  suggestion  rather 
than  argument.  He  believed  In  an  open  statement  of  facts,  and 
having  expressed  his  opinion,  he  adhered  to  It.  In  time  of  trouble 
or  sorrow  to  friends  or  acquaintances  his  hand  was  promptly 
extended  to  offer  relief,  and  his  sympathies  were  expressed  In  the 
kindest  and  most  considerate  deeds. 

For  a  third  of  a  century,  President  Teff  t  and  Secretary  Davidson 
worked  together  for  the  Academy,  each  In  his  own  way  estimating 
Its  Influence  for  good  to  the  youth  gathered  within  Its  walls. 

Surely  there  may  be  found  many  whose  unwritten  lives  do 
testify  In  higher  thinking  and  nobler  living,  the  benefits  derived 
from  examples  like  these. 

Mr.  Andrew  Jackson  Waldron  was  one  of  the  first  stockholders 
of  the  Academy,  of  which  he  became  a  Trustee  In  1855,  a  man 
of  high  Intelligence  and  culture  and  of  excellent  financial  ability. 
His  qualities  were  those  that  are  always  needed  In  a  new  and 
enterprising  community. 

He  entered  with  spirit  Into  the  plans  for  Academy  work  and 
was  truly  appreciated  by  the  Trustees,  to  whom  he  was  a  welcome 
member.  His  judgment  was  In  constant  request  and  generally 
accepted. 

His  associates  had  an  affection  for  him  and  mourned  him  long 
and  sincerely,  when  he  died  in  1866. 

Mr.  Waldron's  son,  Mr.  E.  D.  Waldron  became  a  Trustee  In  1 884 
(-1902.)  He  was  treasurer  of  the  Board, '88-'9 1 ,  and  rendered  finan- 
cial aid  to  the  institution,  which  had  been  watched  and  cherished 
by  his  father. 

The  Academy  claims  Mr.  E.  D.  Waldron  as  one  of  Its  old  stu- 
dents and  reliable  friends,  although  he  Is  no  longer  one  of  its 
directors. 

Mr.  William  G.  Hubbard,  1866-'83,  stockholder,  patron  and  Trus- 
tee, gave  hearty  and  unqualified  support  to  the  school  and  the 
Institution  on  college  hill.  He  and  his  wife  were  firm  friends  for 
many  years  to  both  Academy  principals  and  students. 


72]  A  $jt0tor£  of  Elgin  Aratomg 

Rev.  A.  J.  Joslyn,  pastor  for  many  years  of  the  First  Baptist 
Church  of  Elgin,  was  a  man  of  intellectual  brilliance.  He  rendered 
great  service  to  the  cause  of  higher  education  in  this  region  by  his 
broad  views  expressed  by  voice,  pen  and  active  work.  When 
editor  of  the  Elgin  Gazette  he  did  not  hesitate  to  use  Its  pages  for 
the  benefit  of  the  Elgin  Academy.  He  was  a  Trustee  from  1854- 
1868,  a  constant  patron  and  an  enthusiastic  friend. 

Hon.  B.  W.  Raymond,  resident  and  first  Mayor  of  Chicago;  mer- 
chant, capitalist  and  business  man,  having  large  interests  in  Elgin, 
was  chosen  in  1854  to  fill  the  vacancy  In  the  Board  of  Trustees 
caused  by  Mr.  Glfford's  death.  He  was  quick  to  perceive  the 
advantages  to  the  Fox  River  Valley  of  an  Institution  of  Learning  In 
Elgin  and  gave  generously  land  and  money  to  It.  His  name,  his 
gifts  and  his  out-spoken  favorable  words  carried  weight  and  influ- 
ence. Mr.  Raymond  was  highly  respected  and  had  the  reputation 
of  being  a  man  of  first-class  public  spirit,  and  a  man  of  honor.  He 
died  in  '83. 

Hon.  Augustus  Adams,  1 854-'57,  a  prominent  citizen,  was  elected 
to  take  the  place  on  the  Board  of  Gen.  McClure,  deceased.  Mr. 
Adams  was  well  known  for  liberal  views  upon  education  and 
other  subjects  pertaining  to  the  public  weal.  He  was  most  widely 
known  later,  for  the  introduction  to  the  prairie  farmer  of  those  bles- 
sings known  as  agricultural  implements,  which  he  began  to  manu- 
facture in  Elgin.  In  '57  he  removed  to  Sandwich,  where  he  engaged 
more  extensively  in  the  business,  sending  his  productions  to  all 
parts  of  the  world. 

Mr.  Adams  was  State  Senator  1 868-'72. 

Mr.  Henry  Sherman  1855-'92,  a  pioneer  of  '38,  was  a  self-made 
man  who  found  his  training  in  the  school  of  life.  He  never  departed 
from  the  habits  of  industry  nor  the  principles  of  integrity  that  he 
early  acquired.  He  delighted  In  active  work  for  the  self-respect 
and  the  Independence  that  it  brought.  And  he  practised  the  faith 
that  he  professed  in  charitable  works. 

Mr.  Sherman  had  an  irreslstable  humor,  that  enlivened  many 
a  somber  gathering,  and  acted  like  magic  in  Introducing  another 
view  for  contemplation.  His  long  service  as  Trustee  of  the 
Academy,  his  financial  aid  in  earlier  days,  his  patronage  of  the 


WILLIAM  G.  HUBBARD 
Trustee,  1866-1883 


REV.  JOSEPH  H. 

SELDEN,  D.  D. 
Trustee,  1893-1901 


MRS.  EUGENIA  A.  RAN5TEAD 
Trustee,  1 889  - 1 903 


JUDGE  5YLVANU5  WILCOX 

Trustee,  1865-1890 
President  of  Board,  1889-1890 


of  Elgin  Aratomg  [73 


school  and  his  constant  friendship  entitle  him  to  remembrance, 
beside  a  feeling  of  great  respect  for  his  sterling  character. 

Mr.  Morris  C.  Town  was  chosen  In  1854  to  fill  the  vacancy  on 
the  Board  caused  by  the  resignation  of  Colton  Knox. 

Though  engrossed  In  financial  affairs,  occupied  by  stocks  and 
exchanges  and  other  matters  that  belong  to  an  active  banker,  Mr. 
Town  found  time  to  attend  to  Academy  affairs.  He  was  Treasurer 
for  ten  years  and  remained  afterward  as  a  good  and  reliable  friend 
and  patron  until  his  decease  In  1  892. 

Mr.  W.  C.  Klmball  deserves  more  than  a  passing  notice  for  the 
public  spirit  and  enterprise  that  he  Infused  Into  Elgin.  A  pioneer 
of  1837,  young,  capable,  ambitious,  he  entered  into  business  In 
West  Elgin  with  an  enthusiasm  for  Improvement  that  was  con- 
tagious. He  had  large  and  practical  Ideas  and  he  knew  how  to 
develop  and  accomplish  them.  A  history  of  Elgin  would  not  be 
complete  without  the  account  of  what  Mr.  Klmball  did  for  It. 

He  set  In  motion  the  wheels  of  mills  and  of  commerce;  and 
owned  one-half  the  water  power.  He  engaged  In  merchandise  and 
other  occupations,  kept  open  house  and  had  many  retainers.  To- 
ward the  tollers  of  that  day  who  were  struggling  with  hard  condi- 
tions, he  was  more  than  kind.  He  built  and  managed  for  some 
time,  the  Waverly  House.  It  was  called  the  finest  hotel  In  the  west. 

In  1855  Mr.  Klmball  became  a  Trustee  of  the  Academy  and  he 
never  resigned.  He  was  a  contributor  from  time  to  time,  a  share- 
holder and  a  patron.  He  was  Mayor  of  Elgin  In  1  87  1  and  died  In 
'76,  lamented  by  a  host  of  friends  who  were  drowned  In  regrets 
and  tears  for  him. 

Sylvanus  Wllcox,  1865-'90,  was  a  West  Point  student,  western 
farmer,  a  lawyer,  judge  and  a  highly  respected  citizen.  He  well 
knew  the  value  of  education  and  was  a  friend  to  schools  and  col- 
leges. He  was  enthusiastic  over  the  manual  training  at  the  Acad- 
emy ;  he  was  President  of  the  Board  '89-'90.  He  was  a  conservative 
and  careful  man  In  business  and  much  sought  for  his  legal  opin- 
ions. He  died  In  1902. 

Mr.  John  Hill  succeeded  Gen.  Elijah  Wllcox  as  Trustee  In  '55. 
He  was  an  active  member  and  a  loyal  and  generous  friend  In  the 
establishment  of  the  Academy,  and  to  Us  teachers.  He  died  In  '63. 


74]  A  IjiHtnrtj  of  lElgttt  Aratomg 

Mr.  L.  H.  Yarwood  Is  the  oldest  Trustee  now  living,  in  point  of 
the  time  of  service,  1 863-'65.  He  still  occupies  the  residence  that 
his  father  did  fifty  years  ago  on  Park  street,  nearly  opposite  the 
Academy. 

Mr.  Yarwood  was  in  active  business  many  years  In  Elgin  and  is 
known,  locally,  as  an  artist  of  great  natural  ability  and  of  fine  execu- 
tion. He  was  teacher  of  drawing  and  painting  at  the  Academy  at 
one  time  and  was  Secretary  and  Treasurer  of  the  Board,  '64-'65. 
He  was  also  a  stockholder  and  patron. 

Mr.  Thomas  L.  Morgan  1856-'65,  had  neither  large  means  nor 
large  prospects,  but  he  foresaw  the  necessity  for  a  reference  library 
as  soon  as  the  school  opened.  He  accordingly  gave  $200  for  the 
beginning  of  a  collection.  Let  this  man  be  a  perpetual  reminder  of 
the  interest  in  education  at  that  time  among  the  citizens  of  small 
means  In  Elgin  and  let  his  gift  be  a  memorial  to  him  in  the  Acad- 
emy he  served. 

Mr.  E.  F.  Colby,  a  lawyer  and  real  estate  man  served  on  the 
Board  with  great  acceptance  as  Financial  Agent  and  Trustee  for  four 
years,  1856-'60.  He  was  followed  by  Mr.  George  P.  Harvey, 
1 860-'63.  After  an  interval  of  two  years  he  was  again  elected  and 
served  from  1865-' 68. 

Mr.  T.  Schoonhoven  1857-'63,  Mr.  A.  B.  Fish  1863-'65,  Dr.  L.  S. 
Tyler  1863-'65,  Mr.  R.  W.  Padelford  1865-'68,  Mr.  Henry  Blerman 
1869-'90. 

Mr.  A.  B.  Hinsdell,  1865-'84.  When  the  Academy  was  In 
process  of  construction  he  was  so  anxious  that  the  building  should 
be  completed  in  time  for  the  school  to  open,  that,  notwithstand- 
ing his  purchase  of  all  the  stock  he  felt  able  to  carry,  he  sent  his 
teams  to  assist  in  the  heavy  work  of  hauling  material  and  In  the 
performance  of  other  possible  services. 

Mr.  Hinsdell  was  cherished  by  his  associates  and  friends  as  an 
upright  Christian  man.  The  A.  B.  Hinsdell  Library  at  the  Academy 
is  to  his  memory. 

Mr.  I.  C.  Bosworth,  1868,  gave  his  Influence  and  support  for 
twenty  years  to  the  Institution  on  college  hill.  He  was  a  patron 
and  a  friend,  although  his  business  affairs  allowed  him  little  time 
outside  for  other  matters. 


ASAHEL  BEMIS 

HINSDELL 
Trustee,  1865-1884 

The  A.  B.  Hinsdell 
Memorial  Library  was 

donated  by 
Ellen  B.  Hlnsde 


J.  ADDI5ON  KNIGHT 

Donor  of  the  J.  Addlson  Knight 

Classical  Library 

January  1,  1901 


GENERAL  JOHN  5HULER  WILCOX 

Trustee,  1872- 
Presldent  of  the  Board,  1890-1894 


CHAPTER   EIGHT 

Eater  5Fr«0te?fi 

rEN.  JOHN  5.  WILCOX,  1872,  needs  no  introduction  to  an 
Elgin  audience.  The  greater  part  of  his  life  has  been 
passed  in  this  picturesque  valley -town.  His  home  and 
his  interests  center  here  and  he  lives  in  a  neighborhood  of  friends. 
Reputation  and  character  are  not  divided  In  him,  for  both  are  fine. 
He  is  a  member  of  the  Loyal  Legion  and  he  Is  cherished  by  every 
veteran  of  the  civil  war.  His  salient  qualities  of  patriotism  and 
comradeship  cause  frequent  demands  upon  his  eloquence,  to 
which  he  responds  so  happily  that  he  is  known  as  "  the  silver- 
tongued  Colonel." 

In  1872  began  the  General's  association  with  the  Academy,  and 
though  he  Is  acquainted  with  all  its  vicissitudes,  yet  he  has  an 
affection  for  it.  His  children  have  all  been  students  there,  he  has 
followed  with  deep  Interest  the  instruction  pursued,  and  he  has 
always  been  a  welcome  visitor  and  friend. 

It  was  during  the  General's  Presidency  of  the  Board,  '90-'94, 
that  occurred  the  greatest  depression  of  the  institution  and  also  Its 
great  revival  under  Professor  Welch. 

General  Wilcox  believes  that:  "Thought  rules  the  world  "  and 
that  youth  must  be  taught  how  to  think. 

This  long  and  faithful  service  of  more  than  thirty  years  deserves 
acknowledgment. 

Hon.  Edward  C.  Lovell,  1876-1902,  friend  of  the  Academy  and 
friend  of  Its  friends,  was  fitted  by  character,  education  and  inclina- 
tion for  the  office  of  Trustee  in  a  body  of  which  his  father  had  been 
an  active  charter  member. 

1876  was  the  memorial  year  of  our  nation  and  naturally 
inspired  all  citizens  to  exertion  for  Its  every  advantage.  An 
Impetus  was  given  to  all  vocations  and  new  energy  developed 


76]  A  ^tatorg  nf  Elgin  Aratomg 

along  educational  lines,  which  was  felt  to  the  remotest  parts  of  the 
country. 

Elgin  schools,  even  Elgin  Itself,  felt  the  greater  stir  and  throb 
of  enterprise  and  Interest  and  made  commendable  efforts  In  work 
and  study. 

Judge  Lovell  was  elected  In  place  of  Mr.  Wm.  C.  Klmball  and 
entered  at  once  upon  a  cheerful  and  efficient  service,  which  con- 
tinued for  the  remainder  of  his  life.  He  gave  to  the  cause  time, 
money  and  solicitous  attention. 

He  was  an  excellent  student,  a  natural  teacher  and  the  halls  of 
learning  were  attractive  to  him;  but  especially  so  was  the  Acad- 
emy, where  he  had  been  both  pupil  and  instructor,  under  the  first 
Principal,  whom  he  loved  with  fervent  devotion.  He  was  never 
happier  than  when  recounting  incidents  of  other  days  for  the 
gratification  of  students,  who  regarded  him  as  a  link  between  a 
golden  past  and  an  uneventful  present. 

Lovell  Science  Hall,  though  erected  as  a  memorial  to  Vincent 
Lovell,  stands  as  a  monument  for  three  generations  of  the  Lovell 
name — father,  mother,  sons  and  the  three  daughters  of  the  lamented 
Edward  Coitus  Lovell. 

Mr.  C.  H.  Larkin,  1884-'88,  may  be  considered  one  of  the  men 
of  mark  in  Kane  County  and  of  Elgin.  His  mind  was  extraordinary 
In  its  intelligent  vigor.  He  had  educated  himself  almost  entirely, 
but  his  fund  of  Information  upon  all  practical  subjects  was  accur- 
ate and  nearly  Inexaustible. 

His  substantial  aid  for  several  years  after  his  resignation  from 
the  Board  of  Trustees,  made  possible  improved  conditions  at  the 
Academy  and  increased  its  teaching  force. 

Mr.  Larkln's  son,  the  lamented  Dr.  Fred  Larkin,  of  Chicago,  was 
a  well  remembered  student. 

Mrs.  5.  A.  Sears,  1888-'89,  was  the  first  lady  Trustee,  and  her 
Influence  and  practical  suggestions  were  highly  appreciated  by 
the  Board.  As  her  residence  was  in  Chicago  she  found  It  incon- 
venient to  attend  the  Trustee  meetings,  and  she  resigned  after  one 
year  of  service,  to  be  followed  by  Mrs.  Eugenia  A.  Ranstead,  who 
was  an  active  worker  for  the  Academy  until  1 903,  when  her  health 
required  her  attention.  She  was  an  especial  friend  of  Professor 


MRS.  LUCY  SMITH 

LOVELL 

Donor  of  Manual  Training 
Building 

now 
Lovell  Science  Hall 


JUDGE  EDWARD  COULTAS 

LOVELL 
Trustee,  1876-1902 


A  ISftfltorg  of  Elgin  Aratemg  [77 

Welch  and  of  other  teachers,  and  had  a  lively  Interest  In  the  Insti- 
tution, where  her  husband,  Hon.  J.  R.  Ranstead  and  their  daughter, 
had  been  distinguished  students. 

Mrs.  M.  E.  Carpenter,  [Mrs.  Lord],  was  a  member  of  the  Board  1888. 

Mr.  A.B.  Church,  1889-1902,  long  at  the  head  of  a  great  industry. 
Is  a  quiet,  unostentatious  gentleman  whose  natural  kindness  Is  an 
integral  part  of  his  character.  He  showed  this  to  the  Academy  which 
he  treated  like  some  friend  In  adversity  whose  pressing  needs  must 
be  met  at  all  hazard,  supplying  It  promptly  and  cheerfully  many 
times.  His  spirit  of  fidelity  to  an  accepted  trust  was  always  in  evi- 
dence. He  was  a  systematic  giver  during  his  years  of  service  on 
the  Board  of  Trustees,  and  though  his  residence  is  no  longer  In 
Elgin,  he  still  contributes  to  the  cause  of  education  on  college  hill. 

The  Gail  Borden  Library  building  and  the  property  of  the  new 
Y.  W.  C.  A.,  on  Chicago  street,  are  gifts  from  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Church 
to  Elgin,  and  of  inestimable  value. 

Ijatt.  and  iHra.  <g*urg*  |l.  Cord. 

"  That  good  profits  most,  which  serves  all  men." 

Mr.  Lord  became  an  Academy  Trustee  in  1 885  and  President  in 
1894. 

Mrs.  Lord  had  been  an  earnest  friend  and  contributor  to  Acad- 
emy needs,  before  she  was  elected  Trustee  in  '88.  After  that  year 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lord's  support  seemed  like  that  of  two  strong  pillars 
upholding  an  arch.  And  the  support  continued  for  as  many  as  fif- 
teen years  or  more,  and  amounted  to  nearly  $20,000  in  that  time, 
including  tuitions,  debts  of  the  institution  and  repairs. 

Then  came  the  supreme  act  of  their  benevolence  in  1905,  the 
Lord  bequest  of  $40,000  to  Elgin  Academy. 

In  the  selection  of  their  beneficiaries,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lord  displayed 
great  wisdom ;  for  many  objects  appealed  to  them.  But,  after  years 
of  consideration  and  experience  In  giving,  they  decided  upon, 
what  appeared  to  be,  the  greatest  good  that  they  could  devise,  viz.: 

For  Elgin,  the  parks  and  park  equipment. 

For  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.,  a  building  and  a  completely  equipped  estab- 
lishment. 

For  the  Academy,  the  nucleus  of  an  endowment  fund. 

For  the  Aged,  a  home. 


78]  A  ijfHtnrg  of  Elgin  Aratemg 

These  four  divisions  constitute  the  whole  community. 

Elgin  Is  fortunate  to  have  citizens  who  establish  public  institu- 
tions of  such  Intrinsic  value  as  these. 

Parks  are  like  oases  In  the  desert,  that  offer  rest  and  refreshment 
for  body  and  mind, 

The  Y.  M.  C.  Association  has  a  home,  as  free  as  a  father's  house, 
furnished  with  whatever  leads  to  uprightness,  or  contributes  to 
Ideas  of  excellence  and  honest  achievement. 

The  Academy  was  a  school,  halting  on  a  threshold,  with  only 
half-open  doors  and  forever  calling,  like  the  Macedonians  In  Paul's 
Vision,  "come  over  and  help  us." 

The  importunity  touched  Mrs.  Lord;  she  saw  those  young  souls 
looking  to  her  for  assistance,  as  children  look  to  their  mother  for 
bread.  Her  heart  went  out  to  them.  She  could  not  refuse  them. 
And  that  was  the  reason  that,  during  conferences  over  the  dispo- 
sition of  bequests  and  donations,  she  often  asserted,  "  the  Academy 
must  go  on." 

It  was  the  variation  of  the  founder's  thought  "  for  an  Academy," 
Dr.  Tefft's  decision  "we  must  have  It",  Mrs.  Lord's  "it  must  go  on," 
and  the  boys'  song  "  The  Academy  ever  more  shall  stand." 

At  last,  the  old  doors  have  swung  wide  apart ;  the  way  to  fields 
beyond  and  to  fresh  pools  of  knowledge  is  in  full  view,  where 
"  bread,  and  wealth,  and  power,  and  education  are  for  every  one 
who  has  the  heart  to  use  the  opportunity." 

Mr.  Lord  is  an  Idealist,  practical  without  'being  visionary,  for  he 
Is  tenacious  of  purpose  until  an  object  Is  attained.  Ever  ready  to 
listen  to  new  ideas,  he  is  as  secretive  as  a  foreign  diplomat,  until 
he  has  weighed  them.  The  freshness  and  vigor  of  his  mind  is 
partly  due  to  his  lively  interest  In  public  affairs,  but  far  more  to  his 
faith  In  the  beneficent  power  of  God.  He  believes  In  the  greatness 
of  Goodness. 

Mr.  Lord  has  been  associated  with  great  industries,  has  been 
Mayor  of  the  city  and  President  of  corporations ;  but  he  can  have 
exerted  no  more  Important  Influence  in  the  world's  work  than  he 
has  done  for  the  training  of  youth  and  the  guidance  of  young 
men  toward  citizenship. 

The  debt  of  gratitude  to  President  Lord  can  only  be  discharged, 


HON.  GEORGE  P. 

LORD 

Trustee,  1885- 

Presldent  of  Board, 

1894- 


MRS.  MARY  E. 
CARPENTER    LORD 
Trustee,  1899-1903 


A  Sjifitorg  nf  Elgin  Aratemg  [79 

as  the  slow -forming  years  go  on,  in  noble  character  and  exalted 
living. 

Mr.  Francis  B.  Perkins,  1890-'93,  student  of  the  old  school  in  '57, 
one  of  the  boys  of  '61,  member  of  the  Loyal  Legion  and  a  Trustee 
of  the  Academy,  has  been  mindful  of  all  its  changes  during  these 
fifty  years,  and  is  still  an  active  and  devoted  friend.  His  knowledge 
of  the  early  days,  his  memory  of  important  events  connected  with 
this  history  have  made  him  of  great  assistance  in  its  preparation. 
He  is  entitled  to  much  credit  for  securing  the  enlargement,  by  an 
artist,  of  the  likeness  of  Professor  Blenkiron,  intended  for  unveiling 
at  reunion ;  a  service  that  will  be  highly  appreciated  by  Mr.  Perkln's 
contemporaries. 

Major  George  D.  Sherman,  1893-'98,  succeeded  his  father,  Mr. 
Henry  Sherman,  on  the  Board  of  Trustees.  He  was  a  student  of  the 
Academy,  and  responded  to  his  country's  call  in  '61,  and  served 
for  three  years  in  the  Army  of  the  Cumberland  and  Tennessee. 
Enlisting  as  a  private  he  earned  every  step  of  his  promotion  by 
hard  and  distinguished  service.  The  last  year  he  was  in  command 
of  the  Military  Prison  at  Nashville. 

Dr.  Janette  Sherman,  of  Philadelphia,  the  Major's  daughter,  Is 
remembered  as  an  excellent  and  an  interesting  student.  Her  record 
in  her  profession  has  fully  verified  her  promise. 

Mr.  C.  J.  Schultz,  1890-'93,  an  enthusiastic  member  of  the  Board, 
died  suddenly  in  '93,  and  was  much  regretted. 

Mr.  W.  H.  Hintze,  1 893-'98,  gave  the  weight  of  his  influence  for 
scientific  training  in  both,  Academy  and  Public  Schools.  He  claimed 
for  science  and  modern  languages,  better  and  more  practical 
results,  than  were  obtained  under  a  classical  education. 

Joseph  Selden,  D.  D.,  Pastor  of  the  Congregational  Church  in 
Elgin,  was  a  most  efficient  member  of  the  Academy  Board  from 
1893-1901.  He  advanced  the  cause  of  education,  wherever  he 
was,  by  bis  broad  ideas  concerning  work  and  progress.  He  was 
anxious  to  have  the  Academy  widen  its  sphere  of  usefulness  by 
affiliation  with  the  University  of  Chicago,  and  by  the  uplifting  of 
the  standards  of  excellence. 

Dr.  Selden  was  as  practical  as  he  was  able  and  decided. 

Rev.  Austen   Du  Blois,  Ph.  D.,  and    Rev.  James  Chalmers,  D.  D., 


80]  A  2jt0t0ry  nf  Sight  Aratomy 

El£in  pastors,  were  both  members  of  the  board  for  one  year, 
'92-'93. 

Dr.  Chalmers  gave  a  series  of  lessons  In  Bible  study  at  the 
Academy  that  were  of  great  value  to  the  students  and  to  others 
who  attended  them. 

Mr.  W.  E.  Bosworth,  1898-1903,  son  of  Mr.  I.  C.  Bosworth,  was  a 
patron  of  the  school,  and,  although  a  quiet  member  of  the  Board, 
he  discharged  his  duties  with  cheerful  promptness.  His  character 
was  above  reproach  and  he  died  beloved  and  respected. 

William  C.  Bridge,  M.  D.,  graduated  from  the  Academy  In  1875. 
He  became  a  Trustee  for  his  Alma  Mater  In  1 902  and  worked  for 
her  Interest  until  the  present  year. 

Dr.  Bridge  Is  a  prominent  physician  of  the  city.  He  Is  a  clever 
and  an  Interesting  after-dinner  speaker  and  In  request  at  reunions. 


DAVID  C.  COOK.  Sr. 


MRS.  DAVID  C.  COOK 


HON.  WILLIAM  GROTE 
Trustee  and  Vice  President  of  the  Board,  1898- 


CHAPTER   NINE 

Snarih 


.  ffinu.  <g.  $. 

,  ^mt.  Iflra.  (Srulr. 


HE  Academy  began  Its  work  of  education  with  a  Briton 
born  and  bred.  Ever  since  that  time  it  has  been  hos- 
pitable  to  foreign  talent,  numbering  among  its  Trustees 
and  instructors  men  and  women  who  were  not  American  by  birth 
or  education.  Our  cities  are  cosmopolitan,  and  our  schools  and 
colleges  have  always  been  so. 

Mr.  Grote  is  a  native  German,  but  an  American  citizen.  His 
early  life  and  Interests,  however  nourished  by  an  older  soil, 
have  grown  and  developed  in  our  new  land  to  large  proportions. 
Endowed  with  strong  qualities  of  mind,  which  he  has  not  neg- 
lected to  cultivate,  they  have  insured  his  success  among  men.  But 
nature,  as  wise  as  she  Is  beautiful,  Implanted  in  this  man's  mind 
love  for  God  and  man,  and  he  becomes  friend  and  almoner  of  the 
church  and  of  the  school  ;  strives  for  what  will  benefit  the  public 
and  labors  for  the  good  of  all. 

Mr.  Grote  has  had  civic  and  other  honors  thrust  upon  him,  but 
with  his  success  he  is  unspoiled  and  is  best  represented  by  the 
terms  :  a  good  man  and  a  most  useful  citizen. 

The  Academy  is  honored  by  Mr.  Grote's  valuable  service. 

"  Ich  Dlen  ",  I  serve,  is  a  royal  motto,  and  worthy  of  him. 

Mr.  James  Blackburn,  1  902,  though  a  busy  man,  Is  known  for 
his  excellent  ideas.  As  an  Academy  Trustee  his  suggestions  have 
been  helpful  and  often  have  been  found  practicable  and  desirable 
when  developed. 

Mr.  George  E.  Cook,  1  903,  gives  one  the  Impression  of  a  thor- 
oughly enterprising  young  business  man,  ready  to  extend  a  hand 
to  one  in  need,  to  sing  a  heartsome  song  or  to  do  anything  occasion 


82]  A  ijtBtnrB  of  Elgin 


or  situation  may  demand.  He  Is  an  enthusiastic  worker  and  very 
acceptable  to  the  distinguished  body  of  which  he  is  a  member. 

Ora  Pelton,  M.  .D.,  1  902,  deeply  in  earnest  for  the  welfare  of  the 
community  In  which  he  lives,  has  been  for  years  a  patron  and 
friend  of  Elgin  Academy,  giving  it  his  hearty  support  and  sanction 
and  rejoicing  in  its  every  advantage.  As  a  Trustee  he  is  faithful 
and  generous. 

Mr.  Andrew  Rovelstadt,  1903,  Is  one  of  the  foreign-born  who 
holds  an  honored  place  in  Elgin  for  his  Integrity  and  high  moral 
character.  He  is  a  discreet  and  careful  judge,  and  is  In  every  way 
fitted  for  the  position  he  occupies  on  the  Academy  Board. 

Mr.  W.  D.  Klmball,  1  903,  a  wide-awake  man,  thoroughly  Interested 
in  civic  affairs  and  matters  of  training  and  education,  brings  a  fresh 
and  vital  spirit  into  the  meetings  of  the  Trustees.  As  a  secretary, 
he  is  highly  satisfactory. 

Rev.  J.  T.  Ladd,  D.  D.,  theologist,  scholar,  citizen,  trustee  of  great 
interests  and  a  leader  in  advanced  thought  of  the  day,  he  has  been 
of  the  greatest  assistance  in  the  adjustment  of  Academy  affairs 
with  the  Northwestern  University.  He  appears  to  have  been  the 
connecting  link  between  the  two  Institutions;  and  as  he  is  an  able 
adviser  there  is  no  limit  to  the  hope  of  still  greater  good  that  he 
may  direct. 

Dr.  Edmund  James,  former  President  of  the  Northwestern  Uni- 
versity, was  a  member  of  the  Board  until  his  departure  to  the  State 
University.  Acting  President  Holgate,  of  the  Northwestern  Uni- 
versity, supplied  the  place  of  the  President  on  the  Academy  Board. 

Abram  W.  Harris,  L.  L.  D.,  the  newly  elected  President  of  the 
Northwestern,  is  now  a  member  of  the  Academy  Board. 

No  one  of  all  its  numerous  benefactors  ever  entered  into  Acad- 
emy work  with  more  heartsome  earnestness  or  enthusiasm,  than 
has  Mrs.  May  Larkin  Hoornbeek,  daughter  of  Mr.  C.  H.  Larkin.  Her 
generous  hand  distributes  benefits,  delightful  to  contemplate, 
while  she  honors  her  father  by  continuing  and  increasing  his  bene- 
factions. Intelligent  and  executive,  Mrs.  Hoornbeek  will  reflect 
credit  upon  the  cause  for  which  she  labors.  In  every  way  she  Is 
loyal  to  the  old  School,  which  she  so  dearly  loves  and  in  which 
she  was  herself  a  student. 


ORA  LEVANT  PELTON,  M.  D. 
Trustee,  1902- 


GEORGE  EZRA  COOK 
Trustee,  1903- 


A  Hjiatnrg  nf  lElgin  Aratemg 


[83 


Mr.  John  A.  Waterman,  1906,  Is  a  new  member  of  the  present 
Board.  His  reputation  in  the  community  for  "nothing  but  what  Is 
excellent,"  and  his  Interest  In  all  questions  of  human  progress 
warrants  the  expectation  of  an  additional  force  In  the  plans  for  the 
Greater  El&in  Academy. 

Mr.  Charles  Rlpley  Hopson  has  been  a  most  acceptable  Treas- 
urer of  the  Board  during  several  years,  although  not  an  active 
member.  He  was  a  student  under  Mr.  Sears  and  graduated  In  the 
class  of  1876. 

The  Academy  Is  Indebted  to  the  Trustees  for  their  hearty  con- 
currence In  the  publication  of  this  History  of  Its  Fifty  Years. 


"GRANDFATHER" 


Jfamttg  nf  IHIIfi 


1.  ROBERT  A.  CAMPBELL,  B.  Sc. 

Science,  1898- 

2.  AGNES  B.  OLIVER,  A.  B. 

Teacher  of  Expression,  1905- 

3.  OLIVER  JOEL  PENROSE 

M.  Acct's,  Commercial  Department,  1904- 

4.  FLORENCE  S.  RAYMOND,  B.  S. 

Science  and  Mathematics,  1894-1899. 
Mathematics,  1 899  - 

5.  PEARL  A.  DUNBAR 

Preparatory  Department,  1904- 

6.  MRS.  LOTTA  H.  JAMES, 

Shorthand  and  Typewriting,  1902-1906. 

7.  LAURA  T.  ULLRICK.  A.  B.,  M.  A.. 

History,  and  Librarian,  1904- 

8.  SARAH  A.  PRATT,  A.  B., 

English  and  History,  1894-1899. 
English,  1899- 

9.  FRED  MAICHELE, 

German  and  Latin,  1 905  - 

10.  EYVIN  M.  SCHEFLOW,  B.  S.. 

Mechanical  Drawing,  Night  School,  1895- 

11.  GEORGE  NEWTON  SLEIGHT,  A.  B..  B.  Pd. 

Principal,  1898- 
Instructor  In  Greek,  1898- 

12.  BESSIE  M.  COSTELLO, 

Shorthand  and  Typewriting,  Night  School, 
1898-'99,  1900- 


ABRAM  WINEGARDNER   HARRIS,  Sc.  D.,  L.L.D. 
President  Northwestern  University 
Trustee  Elgin  Academy,  1906- 


CHAPTER    TEN 

Arato mg  g>ttttent  Etfr 

XF  THIS  Is  not  a  family  history,  It  has  Its  characteristics, 
viz.:  solicitude  for  healthy  conditions,  pride  In  the  suc- 
cess of  every  member  of  the  household  and  enjoyment  In 
relating  hardships  now  happily  past. 

Academy  life  Is  much  the  same  everywhere.  It  may  be  called 
a  pleasant  variety  of  student  life — the  opening  door. 

There  Is  always  a  diversity  of  gifts  to  be  found  In  an  academy, 
and  a  good  share  of  that  kind  of  Intelligence  which  makes  the 
back  bone  of  the  state  and  nation.  It  Is  the  common-sense  kind, 
that  day  by  day  and  year  by  year,  does  the  work  of  "all  creation." 
Ambition,  determination,  splendid  purpose,  good  work  and  poor 
work,  fair-play  and  no  play  at  all,  may  be  discovered  In  all 
academies. 

There  Is  spirit  also  In  an  academy:  Class  spirit,  potent  as  a  spell; 
and  the  academy  spirit,  more  or  less  noisy  and  belligerent ;  and  the 
home  spirit,  which,  Infusing  Its  own  happy  nature  Into  associates, 
and  surroundings,  transforms  the  place  Into  a  home  club.  Good 
academicians  develop  all  these  varieties  of  spirit  and  evoke  them 
not  Infrequently. 

The  Impression  that  a  visitor  receives,  by  a  visit  to  the  School  In 
our  Academy,  Is  a  favorable  one.  The  voices  of  the  students  are 
clear,  the  faces  have  a  happy  look,  and  erect  forms  and  easy 
movements  Indicate  the  benefit  of  athletic  training. 

All  Is  well. 

©Hi  Stufcnta. 

There  are  Interesting  reports  of  Academy  students  during  these 
fifty  years.  The  professions  have  been  well  represented  by  them, 
the  law  most  numerously.  In  the  list  of  names,  there  are  Honorable 
Judges  of  the  Superior,  the  Supreme  and  the  Appellate  Courts  of 
the  State,  and  every  other  court  except  those  of  the  United  States. 


86]  A  ifiainrg  of  Elgin  Aratemg 

The  clergy  are  distinguished  by  bishops,  right  reverends,  for- 
eign missionaries,  pastors,  reformers  and  evangelists. 

There  are  physicians,  women  as  well  as  men,  of  all  the  schools; 
country  doctors  and  careful  surgeons  and  surgeon  generals. 

There  are  authors,  editors,  teachers,  artists,  musicians,  legis- 
lators, farmers,  bankers,  merchants,  Importers,  manufacturers.  In- 
ventors, military  officers,  captains  of  Industry,  college  presidents, 
and  a  thousand  other  callings  represented  by  the  boys  and  girls 
that  went  forth  years  ago  to  find  waiting  their  places  In  which  to 
work. 

Beside  these,  there  are  unheralded,  men  and  women,  once  old 
students,  who  have  modified  opinion,  established  confidence  and 
educated  schools  and  people  In  their  own  localities. 

There  are  many  who  have  heroically  performed  the  un-heroic 
tasks — honor  to  them  all.  If  there  have  been  failures,  name  them 
not ;  repeat  the  successes,  remember  the  achievements  and  forget 
not  the  heroes. 

In  1 903  honorary  diplomas  were  conferred  upon  Judge  Ranstead 
and  Mr.  F.  B.  Perkins  (deferred  graduation) ;  a  diploma  also  upon 
honorable  G.  P.  Lord,  an  acknowledgment  for  long  and  continued 
service  and  devotion  to  Academy  interests. 

i&ty  Etbrarg. 

The  library  began  with  the  books  of  reference  purchased  with 
the  gift  of  $200  from  Mr.  Thomas  L.  Morgan,  one  of  the  Trustees 
of  1856-'65. 

Small  collections  and  single  volumes  have  been  donated  from 
time  to  time  and  some  have  been  purchased  in  later  years. 

A  bequest  of  $500  was  made  in  1899  by  Miss  Ellen  Hinsdell,  to 
establish  a  memorial  library  in  the  Academy,  to  her  father;  the  col- 
lection consists  of  four  hundred  volumes,  rich  in  history  and  litera- 
ture. It  is  called  the  A.  B.  Hinsdell  Memorial  Library. 

A  choice  collection  of  three  hundred  and  sixty  books,  relating 
chiefly  to  ancient  classics,  was  given  to  the  Academy  in  1901,  by 
Professor  J.  Addison  Knight,  of  Rochelle,  111.  He  has  added  several 
important  volumes  recently  to  his  collection.  This  is  the  J.  Addison 
Knight  classical  library.  The  entire  Academy  library  now  consists 
of  over  two  thousand  volumes  and  is  constantly  increasing. 


REV.  JOSEPH  THING  LADD,  D.  D. 
Trustee,  1903- 


A  Sftstarij  of  Elgin  Arafrmg  [87 

&p*rial  (Stfta. 

There  have  been  many  gifts  from  citizens  and  friends  from  time 
to  time,  "for  the  good  of  the  cause,"  that  speak  eloquently  of  a 
common  sentiment  for  the  institution.  These  gifts  can  be  acknowl- 
edged here  only  en  masse,  but  no  less  sincerely  are  they  noted. 

Mrs.  Gail  Borden,  mother  of  Mr.  A.  B.  Church,  gave  $1,000  to  the 
Academy  In  1  883.  No  gift  was  ever  more  gratefully  received. 

Mrs.  Harriet  Campbell,  in  1  902,  made  a  bequest  of  $650  to  the 
institution  that  she  and  her  husband  had  loved  and  cherished  for 
many  years. 

The  Woman's  Club  of  Elgin,  donated  to  the  Academy  in  1888, 
$2,200,  to  be  used  toward  obtaining  a  heating  plant;  they  also 
fitted  up  a  kitchen  in  the  Manual  Training  building  for  the  teaching 
of  Domestic  Science,  and  employed  an  instructor  —  Miss  Anita 
Bowen  (Mrs.  Byington.) 

(Sifts  from  Estates. 

There  Is  still  an  unrealized  sum  for  the  Academy  of  several 
thousand  dollars  from  Mrs.  Lord's  estate.  This  is  in  addition  to  the 
$20,000  spent  during  the  last  fifteen  years,  and  the  Lord  bequest  of 
$40,000,  already  turned  over  to  the  Northwestern  University. 

The  estate  of  Judge  Lovell,  through  the  kindness  of  Mr.  L.  N.  Sea- 
man, paid  over  to  the  Academy  $  1  ,000,  the  sum  in  advance  of  a  ten 
year's  subscription.  This  money  was  appropriated  to  the  fitting  up 
of  the  laboratories  in  Lovell  Science  Hall. 


The  purchase  of  Academy  Stock  by  hundreds  of  citizens,  the 
systematic  subscriptions  of  many  others,  have  made  possible  the 
Improvements  now  apparent  In  the  Institution. 

Among  the  systematic  donors  of  the  present  time,  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
D.  C.  Cook,  stand  at  the  head  of  the  list.  Their  charities  are  well- 
known,  but  it  is  the  spirit  of  them  that  Is  worthy  emulation,  for  it  is 
the  spirit  of  the  Master  which  they  seek  to  express  in  good  deeds. 

Soon  after  the  affiliation  of  1  903,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cook  opened  their 
home  and  gave  a  splendid  reception  In  honor  of  President  and  Mrs. 
James,  of  the  Northwestern  University,  Professor  and  Mrs.  Sleight 
and  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lord.  It  was  to  introduce  to  Elgin  the  new  relations 


88]  A  IfiHtorB  nf  £l«m  Antfemg 

of  the  Academy  by  its  recent  union  with  the  Northwestern  Uni- 
versity. 

It  was  an  occasion  long  to  be  remembered,  not  only  for  the 
gracious  hospitality  of  Its  host  and  hostess,  but  for  the  gratifying 
recognition  of  long  and  arduous  work  finally  achieved. 


Relics. 

The  Academy  cherishes  a  fine  old  Bible  bearing  on  its  cover  in 
tarnished  gilt  letters,  "January  1,  1857."  And  on  Its  first  page  may 
be  read  the  names  of  107  students  of  that  date  —  the  names  of 
students  of  fifty  years  ago.  This  volume  Is  priceless  as  a  memento 
of  the  opening  year. 

The  old  bell  was  hung  In  the  spring  of  1  857.  More  than  once  It 
has  been  tongue-tied  by  mischievous  youth. 

It  has  rung  with  all  Its  strength  the  alarm  for,,  fire,  and  for  the 
Nation's  birthday  It  has  pealed  lustily.  It  has  tolled  the  knell  for 
our  dead  soldiers.  It  rung  merrily  for  the  first  wedding  of  the 
Academy  with  Chicago  University  and  aga'in  upon  Its  second  union 
with  the  Northwestern. 

And  now  let  it  ring  In  these  days  of  its  Golden  Jubilee,  heartily 
and  cordially,  a  welcome  to  everybody,  to  the  old  and  for  the  new. 

The  institution  is  also  in  possession  of  an  autograph  letter  of 
James  A.  Garfield,  1860. 

There  are  also  many  interesting  mementoes  of  early  Academy 
days  on  exhibition  during  the  Jubilee. 

QlnnrLuaiott. 

The  Elgin  Academy  is  "a  truly  "  F.  F.  (First  Family).  Its  charter  of 
1  839  settles  its  claim  to  priority  as  an  institution  of  higher  learning 
in  the  Northwest. 

It  was  the  hope  of  Its  founder  that  Elgin  might  become  a  center 
for  an  intelligent  and  cultivated  people.  He  saw  the  educational 
needs  and  the  difficulties  of  defining  them. 

A  preparatory  school  was  a  necessity,  but  higher  learning  was 
the  heart  of  the  plan.  Manual  training  provided  for  a  want,  sure  to 
be  required.  All  these  ideas  were  practicable  for  an  academy, 
hence  Its  selection,  but  its  provisions  are  broad  enough  for  any 
structure,  the  limitations  mark  its  freedom. 


MRS.  MAY  LARKIN  HOORNBEEK 
Trustee,  1903- 


nf  Elgin  Arafcrmg 


[89 


The  Academy  was  a  thought  and  a  plan  for  the  highest  practical 
good.  That  Is  the  corner  stone  upon  which  Its  foundations  were 
laid,  upon  which  every  effort  of  Its  fifty  years  rests;  and  upon 
which  the  results  have  been  obtained  which  are  bringing  greater 
opportunities  for  students,  greater  power  for  their  Instruction,  the 
highest  practical  good  and  bringing  In  Its  train  greater  usefulness, 
— this  Is  the  Greater  Academy. 

Behold  this  temple  where  It  stands,  like  Mount  Zlon,  "  beautiful 
for  situation,"  still  honest,  simple,  strong  and, — as  It  holds  the  spirit 
of  highest  good, — enduring. 

"  What  Is  excellent,  as  God  lives,  Is  permanent." 


THE  OLD  CALL  BELL  USED 
IN  THE  WEST  ROOM 


Aratotmj  Soil  0f  Sf 


lui  Qtoofe  Part 
in  lljr  CL'tuil  War 

HE  call  for  volunteers  came  to  Elgin  April  15th,  the  day 
after   the  firing    of   Sumter's    gun.    One    hundred    and 
twenty-four   brave  Academy  boys  enrolled  themselves 
under  the  f  Ia&  to  go  and  fight  the  battles  of  their  country. 

Those  heroes  marched  away.  And  some  returned  no  more; 
and  some  returned  to  die  ;  and  still  others  of  the  band  returned  to 
lie  beneath  the  turf  on  the  hill  that  overlooks  the  valley.  But 
wherever  the  resting  places  of  those  sleepers  are  : 

"  With  wounds  and  honorable  scars 

Low  In  glory's  lap  they  lie, 
Though  they  fell,  they  fell  like  stars, 
Streaming  splendor  from  the  sky." 


92] 


A  2|i0torg  of  Elgin  Aratemg 


ADAMS,  J.  Q. 

BALDWIN,  H.  5. 

BRADEN,  CLARK 

(Principal) 

BR1NKERHOFF,  JACOB 
BRINTNALL,  H.  C. 

BROOKS,  E.  M. 

BROOKS,  M.  W. 

BRYDGES,  WM.  H. 
(Principal) 

BUELL,  C.  E. 

CAMBRIDGE,  E.  A.  „ 

CHAFFEE,  D.  B. 

COCHRANE   JNO.  M. 
CUMMINGS,  E.  A. 

DUMSER,  J.  5. 

DUNCAN,  WM. 

DUNKLEY,  F.  S. 
GAGE,  WM. 
GRAFF,  ALFRED 

GRIGGS,  E.  H. 

HAMMOND,  EDWIN 
HASKELL,  F.  W. 

HASKELL,  HIRAM  L. 
HEWITT,  JNO.  A. 

HINSDELL,  O.  A. 

HOWARD,  EVERETT 
HUBBARD,  H.  W. 

HUNTLEY,  W.  S. 
JAYNE,  GEO.  D. 
KELLEY,  L.  M. 

KENDALL,  HOLMES 

KENDALL,  FRANK 
WOLAVER,  J.  H. 


KIMBALL,  W.  H. 

LOVELL,  THOMAS 
McCLURE,  CHAS. 

MCQUEEN,  JNO.  A. 

MAGEE,  E.  W. 

MANN,  H.  P. 

MANN,  EUGENE, 

MILLER,  J.  H. 

MORGAN,  FREEMAN 
PERKINS,  F.  B. 
PERRY,  E.  D. 

RAYMOND,  F.  W. 

ROWE,  E.  M. 

SAUNDERS,  H.  K. 

SAYER,  WARREN  M. 

SCHAFER,  W.  C. 

SCOTT,  J.  F. 

SHERMAN,  GEO.  D. 
SMAILES,  WM. 

STONE,  ARTHUR 

SYLLA,  WM.  F. 

TAZEWELL,  FRANCIS 
THOMS,  A.  P. 

TODD,  W.  F. 

TOWNSEND,  M.  S. 
WALKER,  WM.  E. 

WALLIN,  CHAS.  EDWIN 
WALLIN,  A.  C. 

WARD,  J.  A. 

WATSON,  D.  L. 

WELLES,  HENRY 

WILSON,  W.  H. 
WOODARD,  H.  D. 


A  Ijtatnrg  of  Elgin 


[93 


ADAMS,  M.  W. 

ANDERSON,  SAMUEL 
ANDREWS,  A.  G. 

BARKER,  E.  V. 
BROWN,  CHAS.  C. 
CORRON,  J.  M. 
DEMPSTER,  WM.  J. 
FREEMAN,  BARNA  F. 
GILBERT,  GEO.  P. 

QJltf 

BARROWS,  CHAS.  A. 
BUCK,  EDGAR  D. 
BEYER,  WILLIAM 

BRADFORD,  SIDNEY 
CAMPBELL,  M.  V.  B. 
COLE,  M.  B. 

DAVIDSON,  JAMES  G. 

FARNUM,  E.  C. 
FIFIELD,  WALTER 

GIFFORD,  FULTON 

(Teacher) 

GILBERT,  FRANK  T. 
HARVEY,  C.  M. 
HASSAN,  B.  F. 
HILL,  CHAS.  H. 

HUNTLEY,  CHAS.  C. 
KENDALL,  GEO.  S. 

KEYES,  ADDISON  A. 
LOVELL,  E.  C. 

LYMAN,  W.  A. 
LYNCH,  WILLIAM  F. 

LYNCH,  DAVID 


or  Dirii  in  ihr 

HASSAN,  H.  C. 

HOAGLAND,  THEO.  M. 
HOLGATE,  D.  L. 

PERRY,  A.  C. 
ROCKWELL,  F.  S. 
TOURTELOTT,  L.  J. 
TUCK,  W.  H. 

WEBSTER,  BENJ.  F. 


LYND,  WM.  R. 
LYND,  A.  C. 

PARMELY,  CHAUNCEY 

PERRY,  HIRAM  O. 
PERRY,  PARKER 

PERRY,  LAFAYETTE 
PRATT,  J.  C. 

RAYMOND,  F.  A. 
RENWICK,  GEO.  L. 
ROBINSON,  J.  W. 

ROWLAND,  D.  C.  B. 

SALISBURY,  GEO.  W. 
SALISBURY,  L.  D. 

SCHOONHOVEN,  G.  W. 
SMITH,  L.  H. 

SMITH,  ROMAIN 
SPALDING,  J.  A. 
SYLLA,  EDWIN  H. 
TICKNER,  L.  P. 

WANZER,  SIDNEY  L. 
WESTERN,  HENRY 


JOHN  A.  WATERMAN 
Trustee,    1906- 


WILLIAM  C.  BRIDGE.  M.  D. 
Trustee,  1902-19O6 


of  1B33 

An  Art  to  9nrarparat*  the  EUjiu 


§  1.  Be  It  enacted  by  the  people  of  the  State  of  Illinois,  repre- 
sented In  the  General  Assembly,  That  Solomon  Hamilton,  Colton 
Knox,  George  McClure,  Vincent  S.  Lovell,  Luther  Herrlck,  Reuben 
Jenne,  and  Burgess  Truesdell  be  and  they  are  hereby  created 
a  body  corporate  and  politic,  by  the  name  and  style  of  "The 
Trustees  of  the  Elgin  Academy,"  and  by  that  style  and  name  to 
have  perpetual  succession  ;  the  said  Institution  being  designed  to 
promote  the  cause  of  education  and  Improvement  In  literature,  and 
to  be  located  at  or  near  the  town  of  Elgin,  In  Kane  county. 

§  2.  The  corporation  hereby  created  shall  have  power  to  make 
contracts;  to  sue  and  be  sued;  to  plead  and  be  impleaded;  to 
grant  and  receive  by  Its  corporate  name,  and  purchase  and  sell 
property,  real  and  personal,  In  all  lawful  ways  ;  to  manage  and  dis- 
pose of  the  same;  may  have  a  common  seal;  and  may  make  by- 
laws for  Its  regulation,  not  Inconsistent  with  the  constitution  and 
laws  of  the  United  States  or  of  the  State  of  Illinois. 

§  3.  The  said  Institution  may,  whenever  It  shall  be  deemed 
expedient  by  the  board  of  trustees,  connect  manual  labor  with 
literary  Instruction,  by  agriculture  or  mechanical  operations,  and 
for  that  purpose  may  hold  land  not  exceeding  one  hundred  and 
sixty  acres. 

§  4.  A  majority  of  the  trustees  shall  form  a  quorum  to  do 
business,  and  shall  have  authority,  from  time  to  time,  to  pres- 
cribe the  course  of  studies  to  be  pursued  ;  the  amount  of  labor  to 
be  required  of  the  pupils;  to  fix  the  rate  of  tuition  and  other 
academic  expenses  ;  to  appoint  a  preceptor  and  such  other  officers 
and  assistants  as  they  may  consider  the  Interest  of  the  Institution 
requires. 

§  5.  The  trustees  shall  have  authority  to  connect  with  said 
Institution  a  female  department;  to  appoint  or  employ  a  prin- 


96] 


cipal  and  assistant  Instructress;  and  may  connect  with  It  such 
operations  of  suitable  female  labor  as  they  may  deem  advisable  to 
conduct  It  on  the  manual  labor  principle. 

§  6.  Two-thirds  of  the  board  of  trustees  for  the  time  being 
may  at  any  time  add  to  the  number  of  the  board,  fill  any  vacancy 
which  may  occur  In  their  number  from  death,  removal,  resigna- 
tion or  otherwise:  Provided,  that  the  board  shall  at  no  time  exceed 
ten  In  number. 

§  7.  The  said  Institution  shall  be  open  to  all  religious  denom- 
inations, and  the  profession  of  no  particular  religious  faith  shall 
be  required,  either  of  officers  or  pupils. 

§  8.    This  act  shall  be  in  force  from  and  after  its  passage. 

Approved  February  22,  1839. 


JOHN  MARTIN  BLACKBURN 
Trustee,  1903- 


ANDREW  ROVELSTAD 
Trustee,    1903- 


(Eljarter  0f  1B55 


An  Art  tn  Alter  or  Am*  n&  an  Art  Entitle  "  An  Art  to 

tljf  Elgin  Ara&wnjj."  Approved  3F*b.  22,  A.  B..  1039. 

Corporators—  style.]  §  1.  Be  It  enacted  fay  the  people  of  the 
State  of  Illinois,  represented  in  the  General  Assembly,  That  sec- 
tion 1st  be  and  the  same  is  hereby  so  amended  as  to  read  that 
"  B.  W.  Raymond,  B.  Truesdell,  A.  J.  Joslyn,  Wm.  C.  Kimball,  O. 
Davidson,  M.  C.  Town,  A.  Adams,  Solomon  Hamilton,  John  Hill  and 
Joseph  Teff  t  and  their  associates  be  and  they  are  hereby  created  a 
body  politic  and  corporate,  by  the  name  and  style  of  "  The  Presi- 
dent and  Trustees  of  the  Elgin  Academy,"  and  by  that  name  and 
style  may  have  perpetual  succession  —  the  said  institution  to  be 
located  in  the  city  of  Elgin,  county  of  Kane  and  State  of  Illinois. 

General  Powers.]  §  2.  That  section  2  be  and  the  same  is 
hereby  so  amended  as  to  read  :  "  The  corporation  hereby  created 
shall  have  power  to  make  contracts,  to  sue  and  be  sued,  to  plead 
and  be  impleaded,  to  grant  and  receive  by  their  corporate  name,  to 
accept  of  donation,  acquire  by  purchase  or  to  sell  and  convey 
property,  real,  personal  or  mixed,  in  all  lawful  ways  ;  to  use,  manage, 
employ  and  dispose  of  all  such  property  or  money  belonging  to 
said  corporation  as  to  them  shall  seem  best  for  the  promotion  of 
the  objects  and  Interests  of  said  corporation  ;  to  have  a  common 
seal,  to  alter  the  same  at  pleasure  ;  to  make  and  establish  all  such 
by-laws  and  regulations  for  the  management  of  said  Institution  as 
may  be  necessary  and  proper  and  not  Inconsistent  with  the  consti- 
tution and  laws  of  the  State  or  of  the  United  States,  and  to  confer 
on  such  persons  as  may  be  worthy  such  academical  or  honorary 
degrees  as  are  usually  conferred  by  similar  Institutions  in  like 
cases." 

Stock  —  transferable.]  §  3.  That  section  3  be  and  the  same 
Is  hereby  so  amended  as  to  read  :  "  The  stock  of  said  company 
shall  consist  of  shares  of  fifty  dollars  each,  to  be  subscribed  for 
in  the  manner  that  the  trustees  shall  direct,  and  which  shall  be 
deemed  personal  property,  and  shall  be  transferable  on  the  books 


98]  A  ^iBtarg  of  lElgitt  Araiirnuj 

of  said  corporation  In  such  manner  as  the  board  of  trustees  may 
direct  or  prescribe.  The  capital  stock  shall  not  exceed  the  sum  of 
fifty  thousand  dollars.  The  said  corporation  may,  whenever  It 
shall  be  deemed  expedient  by  the  board  of  trustees,  connect 
manual  labor  with  literary  Instruction,  by  agriculture  or  mechanical 
operations,  and  for  that  purpose  may  hold  land,  not  exceeding  one 
hundred  and  sixty  acres." 

Election  of  Trustees.]  §  4.  That  section  4  be  and  the  same 
Is  hereby  so  amended  as  to  read:  "On  the  first  Monday  of 
April,  eighteen  hundred  and  fifty -five,  there  shall  be  elected  by 
the  stockholders,  or  such  of  them  as  may  be  present,  twelve  trus- 
tees, to  manage  the  affairs  of  the  corporation.  Four  of  said 
trustees  shall  be  elected  for  one  year  and  four  for  two  years  and 
four  for  three  years ;  and  on  the  first  Monday  of  April  In  each  and 
every  year  there  shall  be  elected,  as  aforesaid,  four  trustees  to  fill 
the  vacancy  of  those  whose  term  shall  expire.  Notice  of  said 
election  shall  be  given  for  ten  days,  either  by  publishing  the  same 
In  a  newspaper  published  in  the  city  of  Elgin  (one  insertion)  or 
by  posting  up  notices  in  three  public  places  In  said  city.  The 
trustees  of  said  corporation  shall  have  authority  to  prescribe  and 
regulate  the  course  of  studies  to  be  pursued;  the  amount  of  labor 
to  be  required  of  the  pupils  In  said  academy;  to  fix  the  rate  of 
tuition  and  other  academical  expenses ;  to  appoint  Instructors  and 
such  other  officers  and  agents  as  may  be  necessary  in  managing 
the  concerns  of  the  institution ;  to  define  their  duties ;  to  fix  their 
compensation;  to  displace  or  remove  them;  to  erect  necessary 
buildings;  to  purchase  books,  chemical  and  philosophical  appa- 
ratus and  other  suitable  means  of  Instruction ;  to  make  rules  for 
the  general  regulation  of  the  conduct  of  the  students ;  to  suspend 
or  expel  any  student  whose  habits  are  Idle  or  vicious  or  whose 
moral  character  is  bad,  or  who  refuses  to  obey  the  rules  of  the 
academy." 

Female    department.]    §  5.    The    trustees    shall    have    power 
and  authority  to  connect  with  said  institution  a  female   depart- 
ment, to  appoint  or  employ  a  principal  and  assistant  instructress, 
and  may  connect  with  it  such  operations  of  female  labor  as  they 
may  deem  advisable  to  conduct  it  on  the  manual  labor  principle. 


A  2|t0tnrg  of  Elgin  Aratomg  [99 

President.]  §  6.  That  section  6  be  and  the  same  is  hereby 
so  amended  as  to  read:  "The  board  of  trustees,  at  their  first 
meeting  after  each  election,  shall  choose  one  of  their  number 
as  president  and  another  as  secretary  of  the  board,  and  some  per- 
son as  treasurer.  Said  board  of  trustees  may  meet  for  the  trans- 
action of  business  as  often  as  the  president  shall  direct,  or  on 
request  of  any  two  of  said  trustees,  or  at  such  time  as  the  board 
may  adjourn  its  meetings  from  time  to  time  to  meet.  Any  five  of 
said  trustees  shall  constitute  a  quorum  for  the  transaction  of  busi- 
ness. The  treasurer  and  all  other  agents,  when  required,  before 
entering  upon  the  duties  of  their  office  or  appointments,  shall  give 
bonds  for  the  security  of  the  corporation,  upon  such  conditions 
and  in  such  penal  sum  and  with  such  securities  as  the  board  of 
trustees  shall  approve.  The  secretary  shall  keep  a  record  of  the 
proceedings  of  all  meetings  of  the  stockholders  and  trustees,  and 
cause  the  notice  of  the  annual  election  to  be  given  as  required  in 
section  4." 

Open  to  all  denominations.]  §  7.  The  said  institution  shall 
be  open  to  all  religious  denominations,  and  the  profession  of 
no  particular  religious  faith  shall  be  required,  either  of  officers 
or  pupils. 

Amendment.]  §  8.  The  above  named  persons  who  are  trus- 
tees appointed  under  and  by  virtue  of  the  charter  approved 
February  22,  \  839,  to  which  this  is  an  amendment,  and  all  of  their 
officers  and  agents  and  all  bargains  and  contracts  made  by  them, 
and  all  subscriptions  obtained  to  the  stock  of  said  corporation, 
together  with  all  other  acts  done  by  them  as  such  trustees,  are 
hereby  confirmed  and  made  as  binding  on  all  the  parties  interested 
as  if  such  bargains,  contracts,  subscriptions  and  other  acts  had 
been  made  after  the  passage  of  this  act. 

Term  of  office.]  §  9.  The  above  named  persons  shall  con- 
tinue in  office  as  trustees  of  said  academy  until  their  successors 
are  elected  and  qualified,  In  accordance  with  the  provisions  of 
this  charter;  and  all  their  acts,  either  by  themselves  or  by  their 
agents  or  officers,  and  all  donations  and  subscriptions  received  or 
taken  by  them,  shall  be  as  binding  on  all  parties  Interested  as  if 
they  had  been  made  after  the  election  and  qualification  of  the 


ioo]  A  iji0tarB  of  Elgin 


trustees  under  this  act.  The  above  named  persons  or  a  majority  of 
them  shall  give  ten  days'  notice  of  the  place  and  time  of  holding 
the  first  election  of  trustees,  and  shall  preside  as  Judges  of  said 
election,  and  shall  certify  the  same,  which  certificate  shall  be  filed 
In  the  office  of  the  secretary  of  the  board  of  trustees,  when  elected 
or  qualified,  and  shall  be  sufficient  evidence  of  the  election  of  said 
board  of  trustees. 

§  1  0.    This  act  shall  be  In  force  from  and  after  Its  passage. 

Approved  February  14,  1855. 


WILLIAM  DEAN  KIMBALL 

Trustee  and  Secretary 

of  the  Board, 

1903- 


CHARLES  RIPLEY  HOPSON 
Treasurer,  1903- 


SnwtoB  uf  H0ttt  Aratotmj 


NAME  YEARS  OF  SERVICE 

HON.  AUGUSTUS  ADAMS  1854-1857 

C.  K.  ANDERSON  1843-1854 

HENRY  BIERMAN  1869-1889 

J.  M.  BLACKBURN  1  903  - 

I.  C.  BOSWORTH  1  868  -  1  888 

W.  E.  BOSWORTH  1  898  -  1  903 

WILLIAM  C  BRIDGE,  M.  D.  1  902  -  1  906 
REV.  JAMES  CHALMERS,  Ph.  D.,  L.  L.  D.,  D.  D.    1  902-  1  903 

A.  B.  CHURCH  1889-1902 

Treasurer.  1892-1902 

EBEN  F.  COLBY  1855-1860 

GEORGE  EZRA  COOK  1903- 

ORLANDO  DAVIDSON  1854-1899,  Secretary 

Treasurer.  1865-1888 

REV.  AUSTEN  K.  de  BLOIS,  Ph.  D.,  D.  D.  1  902  -  1  903 

AURORA  B.  FISH  1863-1865 

JAMES  T.  GIFFORD  1843-1850 

HON.  WILLIAM  GROTE  1898- 

SOLOMON  HAMILTON  1839-1855 
ABRAM  WINEGARDNER  HARRIS,  Sc.  D.,  L,  L  D.,      1  896- 

GEORGE  P.  HARVEY,  1860-1863,  1865-1868 

LUTHER  HERRICK  1839-1854 

JOHN  HILL  1854-1863 

ASAHEL  BEMIS  HINSDELL  1865-1884 

WILLIAM  H.  HINTZE  1893-1898 

MRS.  MAY  LARKIN  HOORNBEEK  1  904  - 

WILLIAM  G.  HUBBARD  1866-1883 

EDMUND  JANES  JAMES,  Ph.  D.,  L  L.  D.  1903-1904 

REUBEN  JENNE  1839-1843 


102] 


of  1Elgtn  Aratemy 


NAME 

REV.  ADONIRAM  JUDSON  JOSLYN 
WILLIAM  C.  KIMBALL 
WILLIAM  DEAN  KIMBALL 
COLTON  KNOX 

REV.  JOSEPH  THING  LADD.D.D. 
CYRUS  H.  LARKIN 
BENJAMIN  F.  LAWRENCE 
HON.  GEORGE  P.  LORD 

MRS.  MARY  E.  CARPENTER  LORD 

JUDGE  EDWARD  COULTAS  LOVELL 

VINCENT  5.  LOVELL 

GENERAL  GEORGE  McCLURE 

THOMAS  L.  MORGAN 

RODOLPHUS  W.  PADELFORD 

ORA  LEVANT  PELTON,  M.  D. 

FRANCIS  B.  PERKINS 

MRS.  EUGENIA  A.  RANSTEAD 

HON.  BENJAMIN  W.  RAYMOND 

ANDREW  ROVELSTAD 

JOHN  A.  RUSSELL 

THOMAS  SCHOONHOVEN 

CHARLES  J.  SCHULTZ 

MRS.  AMOS  G.  SEARS 

REV.  JOSEPH  H.  SELDEN,  D.  D. 

HENRY  SHERMAN 

MAJOR  GEORGE  D.  SHERMAN 

JOSEPH  TEFFT,  M.  D. 

MORRIS  C.  TOWN 
BURGESS  TRUESDELL 

LATTIMER  S.  TYLER 
E.  DUNBAR  WALDRON 

ANDREW  J.  WALDRON 


YEARS  OF  SERVICE 
1854-1868 
1843-1875 
1903- 
1839-1855 
1903- 
1884-1888 
1868-1872 

1885- 

Presldent  of  the  Board  1894- 
1889-1903 
1876-1902 
1839-1841 
1839-1861 
1856-1865 
1865-1868 
1902- 
1890-1903 
1889-1903 
1854-1883 
1903- 
1902-1903 
1857-1863 
1890-1893 
1888-1889 
1893-1901 
1855-1893 
1893-1898 

1843-1888 
President  of  the  Board  1843-1888 

1854-1892 

Treasurer,  1856  and  1865 

1839-1856 

Secretary  of  the  Board,  1839-1854 

1863-1865 

1884-1902 

Treasurer,  1888-1891 

1855-1866 


A  ijtstnnj  at  tight  Aratemg  [103 

NAME  YEARS  OF  SERVICE 

JOHN  A.  WATERMAN  1906- 

GENERAL  ELIJAH  WILCOX  1843-1854 

GENERAL  JOHN  SHULER  WILCOX  1872- 

President  of  the  Board.  1890-1894 

JUDGE  SYLVANU5  WILCOX  1 865  - 1 890 

President  of  the  Board,  1889-1890 

LOUIS  H.  YARWOOD  1863-1865 

Treasurer.  1864-1865 


104]  A  SjiBtartj  of  Elgin  Aratomg 


ROBERT  BLENKIRON,  A.  B.,  A.  M,  1856-1858,  and   the  Spring 

Term  of  1860. 

JAMES  SYLLA,  A.  M.,  1858  to  Spring  Term  of  1860. 
CLARK  BRADEN,  A.  B.,  1860-1863. 
C.  C.  WHEELER,  1863  to  Spring  Term  of  1865. 
I.  H.  NUTTING,  M.  D.,  Spring  Term  of  1865  and  Fall  Term  of  1866. 
WILLIAM  H.  BRYDGES,  Winter  and  Spring  terms  of  1 866. 
B.  G.  CILLEY,  A.  B.,  1866-1867. 
ALFRED  5.  BARRY,  1867-1870. 
AMOS  G.  SEARS,  A.  M.,  1870-1881. 
ALEXANDER  GIBSON  WILSON,  D.  D.,  1881  -1883. 
J.  ADOLPH  SCHMITZ,  A.  M.,  1883-1886. 
NATHAN  THOMPSON,  1886-1890. 
A.  M.  MATTOON,  1890-1891. 
ALFRED  GARDNER  WELCH,  A.M.,  1891-1897. 
GEORGE  PETER  BACON,  A.M.,  1897-1898. 
GEORGE  NEWTON  SLEIGHT,  A.  B.,  B.  Pd.,  1898- 


SENIOR  KNOLL 
Opposite  west  end  of  Academy  Building 


A  ffiatnrg  nf  tlwu 


[105 


of  tlj? 


Aratemic 

IRENE  ELIZABETH  BALLARD 

Latin-Scientific 
MERVYNA  BARBARA  DOLSEN 

Latin-Scientific 
ZORA  ETHEL  FAIRCHILD 

Modern-Elective 
MARY  EDNA  GAGE 

Modern-Elective 
ELSA  HAEGER 

Modern-Elective 
ROSE  MARIE  HERRICK 

Modern-Elective 


ROBERT  MARK  LADD 

Modern-Elective 
ALICE  BLANCH  LATHROP 

Modern-Elective 
LEONARD  GEORGE  PIERCE 

Modern-Elective 
MARY  LOUISE  PRINDLE 

Latin-Scientific 
CLARA  MARIE  SCHMIDT 

Modern-Elective 
MARY  CATHERINE  SKONING 

Classical 


Uitstitrss  Dr;tartmntt 

(Cnmtnrrrial  (tourac 


WILLIAM  J.  FREUND 
MARY  EDNA  GAGE 
JOHN  H.  KLINGBERG 


PAUL  E.  McKENZIE 

RAY  COVEY  SCHOONHOVEN 

HARRY  C.  SMITH 


ANITA  BLANK  FRANCES  HAZEL  ROBINSON 

FRED  EARL  LAWRENCE  CARL  THEODORE  STAIB 

MARY  ELIZABETH  NASON  IRIS  TYRRELL 

EMILY  STEELE  WILSON 

i 


ELROY  A.  RYAN 


ALMA  MARIE  HEINE 


106]  A  IftHtorg  of  Elgin 


©n  tty  Sanka  af  %  ©to  Stwr 


Y  FATHER  sent  me  to  old  Elgin, 
To  that  town  where  they  make  the  pocket 

clocks, 
And  so  I  settled  down  in  that  town  of  watch 

renown, 
On  the  Banks  of  the  old  river  Fox. 

CHORUS : 

On  the  banks  of  the  old  river  Fox,  my  boys, 
The  Academy  ever  more  shall  stand, 
For  has  she  not  stood  since  the  time  of  the  flood. 
And  we  hall  her  the  best  In  the  land. 

In  foot-ball  they  used  me  rather  roughly. 

And  they  gave  some  terribly  hard  knocks ; 

And  they  shook  me  so  about 

That  they  turned  me  Inside  out, 

On  the  banks  of  the  old  River  Fox.— CHO. 

In  the  mornings  we  listened  to  some  lectures, 

In  the  evenings  we  listened  to  some  talks, 

And  then  we  would  sing, 

And  dance  the  Highland  fling, 

On  the  banks  of  the  old  River  Fox.— CHO. 

It  was  there  I  made  my  social  entree, 

And,  Oh,  how  I  spent  the  hard-earned  rocks, 

And  by  my  cunning  art 

Slew  many  a  maiden's  heart, 

On  the  banks  of  the  old  River  Fox.— CHO. 

*We  are  now  a  junior  of  Northwestern, 
To  our  fold  at  once  the  country  flocks, 
And  we'll  grow  and  grow  and  grow, 
While  the  waters  onward  flow 
'Twlxt  the  banks  of  the  old  River  Fox.— CHO 


*Added  In  1903. 


A  IjtBiorg  of  lElgtn  Arafomg  [  1  07 


o 


THER  schools  may  think  that  they're  the  best  ; 
But  we'll  show  them  that  we  are  doubly  blest  ; 
For  our  faculty  good  and  kind  trustees  — 
None  better  can  be  found  on  land  or  seas. 


CHORUS : 

Hurrah  for  the  school  on  the  hill, 
Where  the  scholars  all  work  with  a  will ! 
For  fifty  long  years  she  has  stood, 
And  for  fifty  more  she  Is  good. 
With  Northwestern  we've  taken  our  stand,  • 
And  with  her  kind,  helping  hand, 
We'll  march  at  the  head  of  the  line, 
And  by  our  deeds  we  will  outshine 
Through  all  the  ages. 

In  ball  and  tennis  we  excel, 

And  In  our  "gym"  do  just  as  well ; 

And,  If  In  class  we  sometimes  flunk, 

You  need  not  think  It  Is  from  lack  of  spunk. 

When  together  we  come  each  morn  at  ten, 

We  fear  we  will  get  a  lecture  then; 

But  our  fears  "Prof"  oftlmes  turns  aside 

And  we  learn  Instead  that  we  have  been  his  pride. 

Oh,  the  years  may  come  and  the  years  may  go. 
But  our  staunch  old  Academy  yet  will  grow, 
And  with  every  swiftly  passing  year 
She  will  Indeed  to  us  become  more  dear. 

CHORUS : 

For  she  Is  the  gem  of  the  West, 
The  school  that  we  all  love  the  best ! 
For  fifty  long  years  she  has  stood, 
And  for  fifty  more  she  Is  good. 
With  Northwestern  we've  taken  our  stand, 
And  with  her  kind,  helping  hand, 
We'll  march  at  the  head  of  the  line, 
And  by  our  deeds  we  will  outshine 
Through  all  the  ages. 

By  M.  L.  C.  and  M.  W.,  Elfcln  Academy. 

*To  the  tune  of  the  Stars  and  Stripes. 


J52£«!ah 


jg££33( 


SE AIL  ]  #i* 
1O.  '639-185*  /  ff 


UNIVERSITY  OF  ILLINOIS-URBANA 


A  HISTORY  OF  ELGIN  ACADEMY  OF  NORTHWESTE 


